Yankees Make Controversial Offseason Decision For 2027

Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) follows through on an RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees Make Controversial Offseason Decision For 2027

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | Last updated Oct 14, 2026 12:11 PM ET

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The Yankees are already planning their 2027 strategy after an early exit this year, and it seems they have made an odd decision.

Joel Sherman reported yesterday that the Yankees expect to stick with Austin Wells as their starting catcher in 2027, a choice that has bewildered fans. By most accounts, Wells was one of baseball’s worst-qualified hitters this year. He finished the season with an abysmal .186/.292/.332 slash line, hitting 14 home runs but posting a career-low 32 RBIs.

Why Do the Yankees Have Faith in Austin Wells for 2027?

While many fans will understandably scoff at the idea of another full season with Wells as the primary catcher, there are some signs of hope for the 27-year-old backstop.

The former first-round pick continued to excel defensively this year, finishing in the top 10% of all catchers in Fielding Run Value, Blocks Above Average, and framing. He also helped lead the Yankees’ pitching staff, which was arguably the best overall unit in baseball this season.

Offensively, there aren’t many positives to take from what turned out to be a forgettable campaign for Wells. However, a few stand out. For instance, his 12.4% walk rate ranked in the 87th percentile in baseball. Additionally, Wells improved significantly in the second half of the season, posting a respectable .767 OPS and a 122 wRC+ after the All-Star break. He continued swinging a much-improved bat in the postseason and emerged as one of the Yankees’ most productive hitters.

Stone Cold Austin Wells #RepBX pic.twitter.com/jgLiA9iTlQ
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 30, 2026

In the American League Wild Card series, Wells went three-for-six with four RBIs and not striking out, propelling the team to a sweep of the Boston Red Sox. In the American League Division Series, the catcher went 2-for-9 with 4 strikeouts and 2 doubles. He did get thrown out in Game 1 trying to stretch a double into a triple.

Yankees Will Still Add Catching Help

While Wells is expected to retain his starting role in 2027, catching help will still be on the way this winter. Ali Sanchez and JC Escarra aren’t established big-league backups, and the Yankees are on the prowl for a proven right-handed-hitting catcher to pair with Wells. Some names mentioned include Freddy Fermin, Luis Campusano, Carson Kelly, Austin Hedges, and Gary Sanchez.

One name that has emerged as a potential trade target for the Yankees in 2027 is Washington Nationals backstop, Keibert Ruiz. The 28-year-old had a stronger season than Wells offensively, slugging a .280/.316/.443 slash line to a .759 OPS and 24 doubles. While he won’t win a Gold Glove, he also provides solid defense, notching five double plays at catcher.

It’s unclear what the Yankees are planning to do, but keeping Wells around for another year could mean the team still has faith in his upside going forward.

End of My Yankees Rant

All things considered, the Yankees’ decision to stick with Wells is understandably polarizing. They were linked to Ryan Jeffers throughout the season, and he is now a free agent. Ignoring a potential interest in a player who was so clearly on their radar during the season is sure to raise some eyebrows.

However, there are some bright spots to consider. Wells hit considerably better against right-handed pitchers this year, so bringing in a competent backup to complement him could help bring out the best in his bat. Even so, this decision will baffle many fans.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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