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MIAMI — Austin Wells will be No. 1 in the Yankees lineup on Opening Day Thursday.
That number may also represent where he ranks in importance among position players not named Aaron Judge.
Entering his first season as the full-time catcher, Wells has the potential to provide big-time impact on both sides of the ball if he takes the expected next step in his development.
At least against right-handed starters, the left-handed hitter will bat leadoff in front of Judge, while behind the plate, he has turned into a strong receiver who has taken on a leadership role in working with his pitchers.