Austin Wells could be playing for a surprise team on baseball’s biggest international stage.
The New York Yankees catcher confirmed Tuesday that Team Dominican Republic has been recruiting him to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, creating the possibility that a player who has spent his entire professional career in the United States could suit up for one of the tournament’s powerhouse programs.
“The conversations have been good, and they are still ongoing,” Wells told Jack Curry of the YES Network on Yankees Hot Stove. “I’m not too sure what I’m allowed to share or not, so hopefully we get to work something out, and we’ll see what happens.”
New York Yankees Star Austin Wells Could Play for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic
Former Major League slugger Nelson Cruz, now serving as general manager of the Dominican Republic’s WBC team, has been pursuing Wells based on his maternal connection to the Caribbean nation. Wells’ mother is of Dominican descent, making him eligible to represent the country in international competition.
When Curry asked Wells if his World Baseball Classic status should be considered “TBD,” Wells replied simply: “Yeah, for now.”
The recruitment creates an unusual dynamic for a Yankees catcher who could now represent a country with a rich baseball tradition.
Spring Training Timing Creates Complications
Wells faces a compressed timeline. He reports to Yankees’ spring training in two weeks, and the World Baseball Classic runs concurrently with spring training camps. If Wells commits to the Dominican Republic, he would leave the Yankees’ complex in Tampa to join the WBC roster, missing valuable preparation time with new pitchers and the automated ball-strike system.
The 25-year-old posted 21 home runs and 71 RBI in 126 games in 2025 while establishing himself as the Yankees’ primary catcher. Missing spring training reps could complicate his efforts to continue developing both offensively and defensively.
Dominican Republic Already Has Two Catchers
Team Dominican Republic’s current WBC roster includes Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz and Webster Rivas of Caliente de Durango in the Mexican League. Wells would need to either win a roster spot over one of those catchers or convince Cruz to carry three catchers on the tournament roster.
Diaz provides the Dominican Republic with an established offensive catcher already in place. Rivas offers a veteran backup option with international experience.
Wells’ addition would give the Dominican Republic depth behind the plate and another left-handed bat, but the Yankees catcher remains noncommittal about whether the opportunity will materialize before the WBC begins in March.
New York Yankees Star Could Play for Surprise Team in March