RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesYankees get 'surprising' Austin Wells update before MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The New York Yankees need an upgrade at catcher.
That's no secret.
Austin Wells has been one of the worst hitters in the sport for the entire season. Ali Sanchez and J.C. Escarra aren't strong offensive options either.
With the trade deadline approaching, general manager Brian Cashman and the front office will be in the market for a platoon partner for Wells, or someone to take the starting role from him.
However, the former is the more likely scenario. According to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner , the Yankees still value Wells' relationship with the pitching staff and defense behind the plate.
This could impact New York's plans to acquire another catcher.
Yankees still believe in Wells
"Multiple team sources, who were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor, said that while the Yankees are likely to add a catcher, it would be surprising if they swung a trade at the top of the market because of that belief in Wells," Kirschner wrote.
MORE : Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs
Integrating a new catcher during the middle of a season is a difficult task. But for the Yankees, it feels like a necessity.
"At the center of the staff’s success is catcher Austin Wells, MLB’s second-worst hitter — only Ezequiel Tovar of the Colorado Rockies is worse — among players with at least 230 plate appearances," Kirschner wrote Tuesday.
The Yankees should not take the risk and have Wells be their starting catcher in the postseason. Cashman knows the club needs an upgrade; it's about finding the right fit.
More MLB news:
Yankees are ‘ leading candidate ’ to trade for Twins ’ Ryan Jeffers
Red Sox ‘ would love ’ to trade for Angels ’ Zach Neto or Astros ’ Jeremy Pena
Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update
Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him
Mets ‘ desperate ’ to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure
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