'Phenomenal' year has Wells in ROY contention

This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have had some impressive newcomers claim the American League Rookie of the Year Award over the years, a group that has included the likes of Thurman Munson, Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge.

Austin Wells’ strong second half has moved him into contention for that prized honor. Grabbing hold of the starting job behind the plate, Wells has contributed with his bat and his glove, prompting manager Aaron Boone to opine that Wells would be a deserving selection.

“He’s been outstanding. He’s been such a key cog in our lineup in the middle of the order for the last few months, really coming into his own as a hitter,” Boone said. “And all the while doing it at such a critical position, where I think he’s handled himself so well behind the plate defensively.

“When you add in what he brings to the table -- hitting fourth in our lineup -- it’s been a phenomenal rookie season for him. And we’ve still got a ways to go.”

As Boone noted, Wells has done a nice job filling a vacancy behind Juan Soto and Judge in the No. 4 spot, providing much-needed protection behind the superstars. In 28 games as the cleanup hitter, Wells has batted .310/.372/.531 with 13 runs, five doubles, one triple, six homers and 28 RBIs.

Touted as an offensive-minded catcher, Wells’ defense proved to be better than advertised last season, which has carried into this year. Entering play on Thursday, Wells owns a +11 Fielding Run Value; only the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh (+13) is higher among AL catchers.

As Wells continues to gather more reps against big league pitching, his offense has caught up to expectations. In 41 games since the All-Star break, Wells has batted .296/.377/.507 with seven homers and 30 RBIs.

“I feel good getting to hit behind and in front of some of the best hitters to play the game,” Wells said. “I think that gives me a lot of confidence to go out there and just try to play fundamental baseball. I’m trying to keep it simple and have fun.”

Wells said that after experiencing tough luck during part-time duty earlier in the season, he has benefited from seeing a few hits drop in.

“I think it’s easier to get more confidence when you’re getting results,” Wells said. “So I think it’s just gradually as the season got on more and more, but I think from the beginning of the year, I was confident in my abilities.”

Wells is tied with Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, who has been considered a Rookie of the Year front-runner for months, for the lead among AL rookie position players with a 3.6 fWAR. Among AL rookies with at least 350 plate appearances, Wells ranks second in OPS (.778), third in slugging percentage (.437), fourth in homers (13) and sixth in RBIs (50).

Yankees right-hander Luis Gil is also a strong candidate, and Boone said that it is a positive sign that Wells and Gil are garnering notice in the closing weeks of the regular season.

“I think it’s great that they’re getting attention for all the right things, for excelling between the lines,” Boone said. “However the season plays out and where it ends, it’ll be. But we’re proud of the fact that we’ve had two young players become impactful players for us this year.”