Last Updated on March 27, 2025 by Matt Musico
The New York Yankees have been around for a long time — since 1903, to be exact. Despite all the opportunities to do so, they had never had a catcher hit out of the leadoff spot until Opening Day 2025, of course. Manager Aaron Boone penciled in backstop Austin Wells as the club’s leadoff hitter for their game in the Bronx against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Given a chance to set the offensive tone for the Yankees, Wells took full advantage by slugging a leadoff home run:
Talk about making your manager look good, right?
The 25-year-old catcher is looking to take another step forward in his development with the Bombers. He slashed .229/.322/.395 with 13 homers, 18 doubles, 55 RBI, and 42 runs scored in 414 plate appearances last season. Wells struggled to a .460 OPS during the Yankees’ run to the World Series, but he reported to Tampa for spring training and put up some big numbers in Grapefruit League action.
He slashed .348/.400/.783 in 50 trips to the plate, which included two doubles, six homers, 12 RBI, and 11 runs scored. And sure, spring training stats don’t count for anything, but they could be crucial in giving Wells the confidence to hit the ground running as New York’s starting catcher this season. One would imagine that leading off the Yankees’ season with a homer will help boost that confidence as well.
The Bombers are fresh off their first World Series appearance since winning it all in 2009. The deck is already stacked against them as they begin to defend their American League pennant. Giancarlo Stanton might not be available all season, and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole won’t be back on the mound until 2026 thanks to Tommy John surgery. And while New York added Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger to support Aaron Judge, the Bombers’ offense is without Juan Soto after he left in free agency.
So, Boone and company will need contributions from everyone in the lineup. Wells is likely hoping this homer is a sign of things to come for him at the top of the Yankees’ order.
All Stats courtesy of Statcast, unless otherwise noted.
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