Kyle Higashioka feels the pinch as Austin Wells’ presence recasts Yankees dynamics

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The overwhelming success of the Baby Bombers against the Astros in Houston has turned the hit on the Yankees veterans. Kyle Higashioka is the latest to face uncertainty about his place in the team’s lineup as rookie catcher Austin Wells is making an impact.

Kyle Higashioka holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured player in the Yankees’ organization. In 2008, while Higashioka was entering the Yankees’ system, Aaron Boone was playing as an infielder for the Nationals and Austin Wells was just a nine-year-old. After spending decades in the minors, Kyle Higashioka made his major league debut in pinstripes in 2017. A year later, Austin Wells rejected the Yankees draft to join the University of Arizona in Tucson.

At the age of 33, Kyle Higashioka has firmly established himself as a dependable catcher with strong defensive skills. Throughout his tenure with the Yankees, he has seen significant changes in various aspects of the team. However, with the emergence of the Yankees’ youth movement, even Kyle Higashioka is not immune to change. He has not been in the starting lineup since the call-up of Austin Wells last Friday.

Wells threatens Kyle Higashioka’s Yankees berth

The Yankees are eager to assess the abilities of 24-year-old Austin Wells, and manager Aaron Boone indicated that Ben Rortvedt would likely remain as the catcher for Gerrit Cole.

Kyle Higashioka and Boone had a candid conversation about the reduced playing time, and the catcher valued his manager’s honesty in addressing the matter.

Kyle Higashioka stated before the Yankees’ 6-1 victory over the Astros on Sunday night that he has always had the mindset of doing whatever benefits the team’s success. According to him, the team needs to assess Austin Wells’ abilities and the rookie has been performing exceptionally well in the minor leagues and is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for the future.

“Everybody wants to play, but I think I’ve always just been in the mode of: whatever helps the team win,” he told hours before the Yankees trounced the Astros 6-1. “They’ve got to see what Wells has got. He’s been playing great in the minor leagues, and he’s definitely an exciting prospect for the future.”

Kyle Higashioka’s role has expanded to include assisting Austin Wells in adapting to the team and getting acquainted with the pitching staff. There is a possibility that he is mentoring his potential successor, who aims to make the most of this chance and is expected to provide a more potent offensive presence. Austin Wells also expressed his gratitude to Kyle Higashioka, Rortvedt, and Jose Trevino for their support and guidance.

According to Kyle Higashioka, he believes that if he performs at a high level, he will have a secure position, and the same applies to Austin Wells. He emphasized that being in conflict with each other would only complicate their challenging role as catchers, so it’s better to support one another.

Kyle Higashioka is mostly a catcher while Wells is a hitter-catcher

Currently in his seventh MLB season with the Yankees, Kyle Higashioka has primarily been a dependable backup catcher, known for his strong defensive skills. While his offensive numbers, including a .669 OPS and 10 home runs, might not be eye-popping, they are respectable and should continue to earn him opportunities on the field.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Yankees will be presented with a challenging decision concerning Kyle Higashioka. While Jose Trevino, an All-Star in the previous season, is on track to return to full health after wrist surgery, and the promising hitter Austin Wells is making his mark, the team will need to carefully evaluate Kyle Higashioka’s role moving forward.

Kyle Higashioka, who is in his last arbitration-eligible season, will remain under the team’s control. However, the Yankees could face a congestion of talent at the catcher position. Given the team’s offensive struggles this season, they may aim to address this by potentially seeking an offensive upgrade at the catcher position.

He prefers not to dwell on the possibility that these could be his final moments as a Yankee. Kyle Higashioka expressed a laid-back attitude about his future, emphasizing that he goes with the flow and lives in the present moment. He doesn’t dwell on things beyond his control.

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