Austin Wells “Excited” To Contribute To Patriots “Winning” Ways

Austin Wells might be the newest face to the Somerset Patriots after his call-up from Single-A this week, but he is no stranger to the guys in the Somerset Patriots clubhouse.

The Yankees' fourth-ranked prospect is an offensive-minded catcher according to scouting reports. The stats show he has plenty of pop with 24 career home runs since the Yankees drafted him a second time in 2020.

Wells said he was informed by Tampa Bay Tarpans manager Rachel Balkovec about the promotion.

"She made a joke that I was staying in Tampa for another month and then broke the news I was coming up here, so I was pumped," Wells said.

In two games with the Patriots thus far Wells has scored a run. He had six home runs and 16 RBI in Hudson Valley and had a pair of homers and six RBI in Tampa Bay before getting promoted.

Wells' focus as he comes to Somerset is getting to work with his pitchers. The Patriots had one of the best pitching staff in minor league baseball in the first half of the season.

"It's about being more comfortable handling a pitching staff. Knowing what they throw, where they miss," Wells added." The more times I work with a pitcher the better I feel with them. The more you are together, the stronger that relationship is going to be."

Wells grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, but added that he has a family - mostly aunts and uncles who live in New Jersey.

"It's awesome to have Wells here. We are all really excited about it," Somerset Patriots manager Dan Fiorito said. "He does it all, as a leader, he is a special kid. He leads by his actions, he is a vocal leader. We have high expectations for ourselves."