NEW YORK – Austin Wells achieved something notable even before stepping in the batter’s box for Thursday’s season opener, becoming the first catcher to bat leadoff in Yankees history.
Then Wells connected with a 2-0 pitch from the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta, launching a drive over the right-field wall. It was the first Opening Day leadoff home run hit by a Yankee, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, and set the tone for the Bombers’ 4-2 season-opening victory.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe followed with a solo homer of his own to a similar spot an inning later. Left-hander Carlos Rodón struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings, picking up the victory in his second career Opening Day start (first as a Yankee). Devin Williams pitched around two hits in the ninth inning, notching the save against his former club.
Wells, who led the Yanks with six home runs this spring, might seem like a non-traditional choice to hit in the top spot. But manager Aaron Boone loves Wells’ propensity to get on base, especially batting ahead of reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge.
“I think the world of Austin as a player,” said Boone, who described Wells as “gung-ho” about the idea of batting leadoff. “I think he’s going to become one of the really good two-way catchers in the league, and I think he’s ready to do that right now.”
Wells, 25, is entering his first full season as the Yanks’ starting catcher, having taken over for Jose Trevino last year. He batted .229/.322/.395 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs and 55 RBIs in 115 games for the AL champs last season, finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.
He is the fifth catcher in the Modern Era (since 1901) to bat leadoff in an Opening Day lineup, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The others were: Austin Nola (2022 with Padres), Jason Kendall (2007 with Athletics, 1999 and 2000 with Pirates), Butch Wynegar (1977 with Twins) and Roger Bresnahan (1906 with Giants).
Wells’ blast is only the 21st leadoff home run by a catcher in any game in AL/NL history and the first since the Royals' MJ Melendez did it on Sept. 28, 2022.
