Yankees first-round pick Austin Wells: 'I was a Red Sox fan growing up'

Wells will no longer be loyal to the Red Sox after a life-changing moment

Austin Wells spent his entire life as a fan of the Boston Red Sox. After being selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Wells is ending that partnership immediately.

"Yes, I was a Red Sox fan growing up," Wells, who was raised in Las Vegas, told NorthJersey.com. "I think everybody's mind changed (Wednesday) night after hearing my name called. I'm definitely a big Yankee fan now."

Wells became a fan of the Red Sox during their historic World Series run in 2004. Yes, that's that year the Red Sox rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Boston then went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to win their first championship since 1918.

The No. 28 pick was drafted as a power-hitting catcher and hopes to continue to play that position at the professional level. However, if making it to the big leagues means switching positions, the University of Arizona product is willing to make that sacrifice.

"I'm a catcher. I want to be a catcher," Wells said. "I'm definitely willing to do whatever it takes to get to the big leagues. So, if that's at another position, I'll just hit home runs at Yankee Stadium and play wherever they need me to."

This isn't Wells' first time being selected by the Yankees. In 2018, Wells was drafted by the Bombers in the 35th round, but elected to attend Arizona following a standout high school career at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas.

Wells is looking forward to quickly signing a deal with the Yankees this time around.

"I just think it was the best fit for me to move on and go forward and now be a Yankee," Wells said.