How has Yankees backup catcher Ben Rice performed?

Rice has hit a long 435-foot home run and proven to be a capable defensive presence behind the plate, throwing out runners attempting to steal. He has outperformed the team's starting catcher, Austin Wells, who has been mired in a lengthy late-season slump.

How has Austin Wells' performance been for the Yankees this season?

Wells has been in a lengthy late-season slump, going just 11-for-78 with 23 strikeouts over the past month. This is a significant downturn from his strong performance last year, and the Yankees are running out of time to get him going offensively.

Home / Sports / Backup Catcher Rice Outperforms Starter Wells for Yankees

Backup Catcher Rice Outperforms Starter Wells for Yankees

Q: What is the current situation with the Yankees' catching position?

Despite Wells' struggles, manager Aaron Boone has stated that the team still plans to give him the bulk of the playing time at catcher. This decision complicates the Yankees' roster management as they must balance Wells' potential with Rice's recent success.

25 Aug

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Summary

Ben Rice hits long homer, proves solid defensively
Austin Wells in lengthy late-season slump, struggles at plate
Yankees still giving Wells more playing time at catcher

Backup Catcher Rice Outperforms Starter Wells for Yankees

As of August 26th, 2025, the New York Yankees are facing a dilemma at the catcher position. Backup catcher Ben Rice has been outperforming starter Austin Wells, both offensively and defensively.

Rice recently hit a 435-foot home run, his third straight game with a homer when starting at catcher. He has also thrown out runners attempting to steal bases and has proven to be a capable defensive presence behind the plate. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Rice's versatility and his ability to contribute both physically and strategically.

In contrast, Wells has been mired in a lengthy late-season slump. Over the past month, he is just 11-for-78 with 23 strikeouts, a significant downturn from his strong performance last year. Boone acknowledged that the Yankees are running out of time to get Wells going again offensively.

Despite Wells' struggles, Boone stated that the team still envisions him getting the bulk of the playing time at catcher. This decision complicates the Yankees' roster management, as they must balance Wells' potential with Rice's recent success.

The Yankees' catching situation remains fluid, with injuries and other roster considerations factoring into Boone's decisions. As the season winds down, the team will need to determine the best path forward to maximize their production behind the plate.

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