NEW YORK — Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it clear Monday that Austin Wells will remain the team’s primary catcher despite his offensive slump, even as rookie Ben Rice continues to surge. Boone’s stance came hours before New York’s 10-5 win over the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium.
The decision arrives at a pivotal moment. Wells has struggled badly at the plate in recent weeks, while Rice has established himself as a viable alternative. Adding to the intrigue, a viral clip of prospect Jasson Dominguez fielding ground balls at first base before the game sparked fresh questions about the team’s roster plans.
Wells keeps starting job despite offensive woes
Boone reiterated his belief in Wells when speaking with reporters ahead of the Yankees’ Monday’s game.
“I still envision [Wells] getting more of the reps, but we’ll see,” Boone said.
The backing comes despite troubling numbers. Since July 12, Wells has just 11 hits in 78 at-bats, with four extra-base hits and 23 strikeouts. He played all three games in the Yankees’ recent series against the Red Sox but has offered little production.
It mirrors his 2024 decline, when a strong summer faded into a September collapse. He carried a .795 OPS into September before plunging to .411 in the final month and .460 during the postseason. His 2025 downturn has begun earlier, with his overall season marked by inconsistency.
Rice continues impressive surge behind plate
While Wells has battled at the plate, Rice has delivered. The 25-year-old rookie launched a 435-foot homer into the right-field bleachers Monday night, his longest to date. It marked his third straight game with a home run while starting at catcher.
Since J.C. Escarra was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on July 31, Rice has started 11 games behind the plate. He entered Monday’s contest with a .956 OPS in that stretch and this included his second 7-RBI record night.
His defensive work has also stood out. Rice erased Josh Bell trying to steal second base with CJ Abrams on third, ending the fourth inning on Monday.
“Forget the physical part of it,” Boone said. “A lot goes into the preparation and the game plan and pitching. It’s good to see him swing the bat. He’s such a presence for us in the lineup.”
Yankees value Rice’s defensive versatility
Boone praised Rice’s growth while acknowledging his inexperience.
“He’s done a capable enough job behind the plate that we feel good about having him in the rotation there,” Boone said. “There [are] still things he’s going through, there are still growing pains to be had back there, but, overall, he’s done a really good job and obviously his bat has been really consistent all year.”
Roster complications have made the catching role even more significant. Aaron Judge’s right elbow flexor strain has limited him to designated hitter duties, forcing Giancarlo Stanton into regular right-field work. Rice’s ability to handle first base adds further depth, especially as a left-handed platoon option with Paul Goldschmidt.
Even Yankees manager Boone is accused of scuttling Rice’s hot streak this season.
Dominguez first base clip sparks position speculation
Social media buzzed Monday after Jasson Dominguez was filmed taking pregame grounders at first base. The 22-year-old has only played outfield and designated hitter in his major league career.
The drill does not guarantee a shift, but it signals the Yankees’ willingness to consider alternatives. Dominguez has logged most of his innings in left field this season, but defensive lapses have raised concerns about his long-term role.
It can’t be ruled out that the Yankees are considering Ben Rice for catching and preparing Dominguez for the first-base role.
The Yankees have shown flexibility with players before. Stanton has returned to the outfield despite being used primarily as a DH, while Jose Caballero has moved between infield and outfield duties.
Wells’ defensive development provides hope
Even as his bat falters, Wells’ defense has progressed. Scouts once doubted whether he could remain behind the plate, but he has earned praise for handling pitchers and improving his framing.
His focus on working with the staff has impressed the organization. Some within the team wonder if that emphasis has limited his offensive production, but catching demands often outweigh hitting adjustments. For now, the Yankees appear committed to continuing his development as a catcher.
Yankees navigate roster challenges
The Yankees continue to juggle injuries, slumps and positional shuffles as the playoff race intensifies. A recent five-game winning streak was followed by three losses in four games against Boston, underscoring the volatility.
Boone’s willingness to experiment with alignments shows the club is seeking every edge. Monday’s Yankees victory provided relief, but lineup questions remain unresolved as September nears.
The Yankees depth chart has been tested throughout the season. Wells’ struggles, Rice’s emergence, and the possibility of Dominguez at first base have created a complex puzzle. Boone’s decisions on how to balance those moving pieces could heavily shape the Yankees’ postseason push.
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