NEW YORK – Austin Wells achieved something notable even before stepping in the batter’s box for Thursday’s season opener, becoming the first catcher to bat leadoff in Yankees history. Then Wells connected with a 2-0 pitch from the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta, launching a drive over the right-field wall. It was the first Opening Day leadoff home run hit by a Yankee, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, and set the tone for the Bombers’ 4-2 season-opening victory.
Wells’ solo home run gave the Yankees an immediate 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, and shortstop Anthony Volpe followed with a solo homer of his own an inning later, extending the Yankees’ advantage. Left-hander Carlos Rodón struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings, picking up the victory in his second career Opening Day start (first as a Yankee). Devin Williams pitched around two hits in the ninth inning, notching the save against his former club.
Austin Wells, age 25, is entering his first full season as the Yankees’ starting catcher, having taken over for Jose Trevino last year. He batted .229/.322/.395 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs, and 55 RBIs in 115 games for the AL champs last season, finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Wells’ leadoff spot earlier this week, and it’s a decision that raised eyebrows given the traditional expectations of a leadoff hitter.
Wells might seem like a non-traditional choice to hit in the top spot, but Boone loves Wells’ propensity to get on base, especially batting ahead of reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge. “I think the world of Austin as a player,” said Boone, who described Wells as “gung-ho” about the idea of batting leadoff. “I think he’s going to become one of the really good two-way catchers in the league, and I think he’s ready to do that right now.”
Wells led the Yankees with six home runs this spring, showcasing his power and ability to start games with a bang. He batted leadoff in 15 of his 16 spring training games, with a .400 on-base percentage and a 1.183 OPS in 46 at-bats. Despite his .229 average during his first full MLB season in 2024, his impressive 11.7 percent walk rate sets him up to potentially be a quality table setter.
Wells is the fifth catcher in the modern era (since 1901) to bat leadoff in an Opening Day lineup, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The others were Austin Nola (2022 with Padres), Jason Kendall (2007 with Athletics, 1999 and 2000 with Pirates), Butch Wynegar (1977 with Twins), and Roger Bresnahan (1906 with Giants). Wells’ blast is only the 21st leadoff home run by a catcher in any game in AL/NL history and the first since the Royals' MJ Melendez did it on September 28, 2022.
The Yankees’ victory was a solid start to the season, and if Wells’ first at-bat is any indication of how his season will go, the Yankees will be happy with his contributions. As the team looks to build on last year’s success, Wells’ role will be crucial, especially with the recent loss of Juan Soto to the New York Mets in free agency and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton starting the season on the injured list.
With the Yankees up 2-1 going into the bottom of the third inning at the time of writing, the excitement at Yankee Stadium was palpable. Fans were buzzing about Wells’ historic achievement, and it’s clear that the young catcher is ready to make a significant impact this season. The Yankees are counting on Wells to step up and provide the offensive firepower needed to compete in the tough American League East.
As the game progressed, Wells’ performance continued to draw attention. His ability to connect with the ball and make an immediate impact is something that the Yankees hope will translate into a successful season. With the spotlight on him, Wells is poised to become a key player for the Yankees as they navigate the challenges of a new season.
In conclusion, Austin Wells has made history in more ways than one. His leadoff home run on Opening Day not only marks a significant milestone for himself but also sets a new precedent for catchers in Major League Baseball. As the Yankees look to capitalize on this momentum, all eyes will be on Wells to see how he performs in the coming games.
