Wells will be 1st catcher in Yankees history to bat leadoff

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells will make history on Opening Day.

Wells will be the first backstop ever to bat leadoff for the storied franchise during the regular season.

"I think you can expect Austin in there, certainly Opening Day," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday on the "Talkin' Yanks" podcast when asked about the leadoff spot in his lineup.

Boone said he's more focused on Wells' on-base percentage than speed in determining how the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year finalist can set the tone for his teammates.

"In the past, it's always like, well, you gotta have the speed guy first," the skipper added. "I don't know if that makes much sense. I want the guy that gets on base the best hitting first."

Wells, 25, slashed .229/.322/.395 with 13 homers, 55 RBIs, and one stolen base over 115 games last season.

The Yankees kick off the 2025 campaign Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.