Austin Wells - Scouting Report


Rank History
Year Team Position Team Rank OFP
2021 NYY C 4 50

Grades Update: Jan 2021
OFP Role Hit Power Field Arm Run
50 50 55 55 40 40 45

Jan 2021 Report

Evaluator: Geoff Pontes

Age: 21 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2020 Draft, Round 1
RuleV: 2023

Physical Description: Tall, muscular, and well proportioned. Nearly at physical max, will likely require some maintenance over time but minimal overall. High level of athleticism for a catcher with the ability to play an outfield corner.

Hit: Above-average hit tool with a track record of high batting averages, high on base percentages and strong quality of contact. He showed some swing and miss during his stint with Yarmouth-Dennis on the Cape, but still slashed .308/.389/.526 over 180 plate appearances. Discerning eye, that looks to swing on pitches he can drive. This selectivity leads to high walk rates and contact on the right pitches. Sets up square to the pitcher with slight knee bend, hands set by head. At load hands drop and pull back, with moderate leg lift, followed by slight rock before trigger. Shows the ability to stay inside and not get overly long. Bat path creates natural lift due to strong vertical and horizontal bat angles at contact. Above average tool with the characteristics to blossom into plus at peak. Grade: 55

Power: Plus bat speed, optimal bat angle at the point of contact and raw strength that allows him to make quality contact over selling out for pull-side power. Does show the ability to drive balls to all fields but his hardest hit balls come when he turns on pitches on the inner-half. Power played throughout his tenure in the Cape Cod League; a notoriously difficult place to hit for power with consistency. The combination of strength, twitch, and optimal mechanics give Wells above average game power with plus upside at peak Grade: 55

Field: A versatile defender that played a variety of positions (catcher, outfield, and first base) competently. Has made strides with his receiving over the last year but is still a below average defender behind the plate. Has the ability to play an outfield corner and his speed is stronger than an average catcher so it's not out of the question that his long term role lies in the grass. Below average arm likely limits him from right. Grade: 40

Arm: Below average arm with limited carry and strength. Limits him to first base and left field long term. Likely to push Wells off of catcher if his arm does not improve. Grade: 40

Run: On the higher end of running catchers. Not a base clogger but a fringe average straight line runner. Showed smart base running instincts throughout his time as an amateur. Not a prolific base stealer but will keep you honest when he's on. Grade: 45

Overall: Bat first profile with a strong combination of above average tools in his hit and power. The questions around his defensive role lead to extra pressure on the bat to perform. That said, Wells possesses enough skills defensively to be an everyday player; it's just likely at first base or left field. One of the more polished College players in the draft with a track record of performance against the nation's best competition.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: Moderate