Yankees sign 2020 first-round draft pick Austin Wells

It’s a done deal.

The Yankees checked off a big item on their summer to-do list on Thursday night. The team signed first-round draft back Austin Wells, officially adding him to the organization. Wells broke the news himself on Twitter, where he included photos of him suiting up in pinstripes for the first time.

According to Jim Callis, Wells signed for $2.5 million. That basically equals slot value. Keep in mind that the Yankees entered the draft with a pool worth $3.7 million. They now have $1.2 million to spend between Trevor Hauver and Beck Way.

Wells, whom the Yankees selected 28th overall, ranked number 27 on MLB Pipeline’s top 200 list. Baseball America, meanwhile, considered him the 21st best prospect in the draft. Scouts love his offensive profile; he combines power and patience from the left side of the plate, two traits that would serve anyone well at Yankee Stadium. Questions remain about his catching profile, but he appears capable of shifting to the outfield or first base if necessary.

Under ordinary circumstances, you could have expected Wells to debut with the Staten Island Yankees or maybe the Charleston RiverDogs. With no minor-league season, it’s possible he could play for the Yankees’ taxis squad. Keith Law believes a number of clubs will do that in an effort to get prospects playing time.

Are you happy to have Wells on board? Let us know in the comment section!