Wells leads 8 prospects named to AFL roster

October 7th, 2021

Austin Wells, the Yankees’ first-round selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, will highlight a group of Bombers farmhands participating in the Arizona Fall League this year. The lefty-swinging catcher is rated as the Yanks’ No. 6 prospect by MLB Pipeline. 

Known for his advanced hitting approach, the 22-year-old showcased a promising stroke this past season for Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley, posting a combined .264/.390/.476 slash line in 103 games.

Wells scored 82 runs, collected 23 doubles, five triples and 16 homers and drove in 76 runs. Wells went to the Yankees 28th overall in 2020, agreeing to a Minor League contract that included a $2.5 million signing bonus.

The Yankees are feeding players to the Surprise Saguaros, along with the Nationals, Reds, Rangers and Royals. Former Yankees right-hander Preston Claiborne, who pitched for New York in 2013-14, will serve as the Saguaros’ pitching coach.

Here is the full list of Yankees selected to represent the organization in the AFL:

Pitchers: RHP Blane Abeyta, LHP Clay Aguilar, RHP Harold Cortijo, RHP Zach Greene, RHP Tanner Myatt.

Catchers: C Austin Wells.

Infielders: 3B Andres Chaparro.

Outfielders: OF Elijah Dunham.