Austin Wells capped a September off day by proposing to girlfriend Caroline Nielson on a California beach, the couple revealed this week.
The Yankees catcher, 27, dropped to one knee Sept. 3 during a break between series against the Angels and Padres, according to photos Nielson posted Wednesday on Instagram. The images show Wells proposing in the sand and the couple embracing afterward, with their infant daughter Lucy included in the celebration.
Nielson signaled the date with her caption: “forever and ever.”
The timing landed on one of the Yankees’ rare September respites before the postseason push. Ashley Rodon, wife of Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon, seized on that detail in the comments section.
“The best off day in the history of off days,” she wrote.
Ava O’Connor, who is dating Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, added her own enthusiastic blessing.
“My heart!!!!! Let’s get these two married!!! 🥹🥹🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️” O’Connor wrote.
Ben Rice’s girlfriend, Sara Falkson, kept her reaction brief and capitalized.
“SCREAMING CRYING,” Falkson wrote.
The engagement marks a swift public progression for a couple whose relationship first surfaced only last November, when they announced Nielson was expecting. It remains unclear when they began dating.
Wells has navigated a turbulent 2025 campaign at the plate, recovering from a.150 average in July to push his mark to.185 by September. The Yankees have continued to value his defensive work behind the plate, and he is expected to factor prominently in their postseason lineup.
That October run will likely open next week against the Red Sox in a best-of-three wild card series at Yankee Stadium.
Wells already owns a signature October moment against Boston. Last season’s wild card round against the same rival turned on his eighth-inning single in Game 2, driving home the winning run to even the series. The Yankees captured Game 3 the following night.
Nielson will presumably join the Stadium crowd as Wells attempts to extend his October heroics deeper into this year’s bracket.