Cryptic medical issue could shed light on Yankees' massive Austin Wells problem

Austin Wells was supposed to have a breakout 2025 campaign, and for a short stretch it appeared as if he was on his way to doing just that for the New York Yankees. But we are now three full months into the season and Wells has arguably never looked worse.

For as critical as this fanbase is about Anthony Volpe (and rightfully so), how has Wells dodged the vitriol as his production continues to plummet and his at-bats look progressively worse?

The former first-round pick is hitting just .214 with a .275 on-base percentage. His .699 OPS and 93 OPS+ are similarly unsightly. And though his 11 homers and 45 RBI through 69 games have him on pace for impressive marks overall, the production in between just hasn't been enough.

Particularly, though, there are two massive problems with Wells' game that need to be fixed as soon as possible. The most concerning is his inability to hit right-handed pitching, which, as a left-handed hitter, is borderline unforgivable.

Wells' line against righties is a putrid .188/.254/.362. His numbers against lefties are what's saving him (if we can even say that). Last year against righties, he hit .236/.327/.444 and had a .197/.299/.227 line against lefties. What in the world is happening?

Prior to Monday's game - another one where JC Escarra was penciled into the lineup - Aaron Boone finally addressed Wells' absence and added some potential color to his struggles. The Yankees' starting catcher has been undergoing testing for a circulatory issue, and while the ream is encouraged, he won't be playing for several more days.

Austin Wells injury could explain why splits reversed for the Yankees at the worst possible time

Only Wells' bat speed, average exit velocity and hard-hit rates are above average. Everything else is below average, and it's not particularly close. He's striking out at a career-worst rate (24.8%) and walking at a career-worst rate (6.6%). Worst of all? The fact he's hitting the ball hard isn't even helping his other peripheral metrics. He still sports a .216 expected batting average, which ranks in the bottom eighth percentile.

He's also taken a massive step back defensively. His contributions on that side of the ball have negated the good he's done offensively (he's been good for 0.0 WAR this year, with -0.4 on defense thanks to his -1 caught stealing above average). Though the other defensive metrics aren't exactly a death knell, the eye test would suggest Wells is not atop his game in this department.

Wells admitted that the "demands of catching" have impacted his hitting, which is understandable because catchers typically aren't prolific hitters. But Wells also appeared to be one of the few who might buck that trend with his minor league ascension and 2024 improvements at the MLB level.

Another layer to this problem is that the Yankees have jettisoned three catchers over the last two years in order to prioritize Wells, and they've all made Brian Cashman regret his decision in varying ways. Ben Rortvedt dominated during the first half with the Rays in 2024, which was painful to watch. Carlos Narváez has been playing at an All-Star level with the Red Sox in 2025. Jose Trevino went heel and is somehow hitting .290 with an .807 OPS with the Reds this year.

The Yankees were right to invest in Wells and move on from other options that might've been blocking his path, and now it's time he rewards the organization's faith. His play right now is even more unacceptable than Volpe's — a player who is garnering more criticism simply because of his prospect pedigree.