The future is here for the New York Yankees.
Two of the most highly anticipated prospects in the Yankees farm system, who cut their teeth and gained notoriety while playing baseball in Somerset, New Jersey the past two seasons are heading to the Big Show: Austin Wells and Jasson Dominguez.
ESPN’s Jeff Passon broke the news that both players would make the trip to Houston with the Yankees when facing the Astros. The Yankees, who are dead last in the American League East are starting to turn the page to the future and will showcase some of their best young talent on the farm.
The New York Yankees are calling up their top two prospects, outfielder Jasson Dominguez and catcher Austin Wells, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 30, 2023
The 20-year-old Dominguez, a center fielder, and 24-year-old Wells, a catcher, are expected to debut with the team this weekend in Houston.
It will be a Somerset Patriots reunion of sorts when Dominguez and Wells meet up with Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, and Everson Periera, their teammates from the Patriots 2022 Eastern League Championship team.
While some Yankees fans might scuff at the call-up of prospects, this group was special in Somerset.
Wells and Volpe developed a close friendship with the Patriots to the point the Chicken Parm sandwiches Volpe’s mother made for the two became a story in and of itself.
Anthony Volpe in 12 games since Austin Wells told him to adjust his batting stance over chicken parm dinner:
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 28, 2023
11-for-35 (.314), HR, 4 2B, 6 BB, .929 OPS pic.twitter.com/RT3eP2j7pn
By the Numbers: Jasson Dominguez
Jasson Dominguez has been ranked as both the Yankees’ number one and number two prospect in their system, and the 20-year-old has a panache for the dramatic and has displayed the skills of a five-tool player.
Jasson Dominguez almost goes yard again and gives the Patriots a 10-9 lead. pic.twitter.com/C7MLvZOaOl
— Julian Guilarte (@JulianGuilarte1) April 19, 2023
In two seasons at Somerset, Dominguez hit .248 with hit 16 homers, drove in 67, and stole 38 bases. He was promoted to Triple-A less than two weeks ago, where he smashed the baseball, hitting .444 with 10 RBI in just eight games.
By the numbers: Austin Wells
Ranked eighth among Yankees prospects, Wells is the Yankees’ top catching prospect. In two seasons, Wells displayed incredible power from the left side. He crushed 23 bombs and drove in 93 runs. While some have criticized his defense behind the plate, there is no denying that pitchers in Somerset praised Well’s catching ability and his game-calling. Wells was promoted to Triple-A Scranton at the beginning of August and has hit .262 with five homers and 20 RBI.
Austin Wells hit a 473 foot bomb in Triple-A two weeks ago btw pic.twitter.com/R9WnEyd3ua
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 30, 2023
Oh, by the way, the starting pitcher for Houston when Dominguez and Wells debut with the Yankees is a particular former Mets pitcher who was traded for two top prospects… You might have heard of him…
The starting pitcher for Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells debut: pic.twitter.com/uaRWFsGJaP
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 30, 2023
Somerset Patriots Tribute To The New York Black Yankees
