Yankees Catcher Austin Wells Plays for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic

Wells' Dominican heritage through his mother allows him to represent the Dominican Republic despite being born in the U.S.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Yankees catcher Austin Wells was a surprise addition to the Dominican Republic's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, thanks to his Dominican heritage through his mother's side of the family. Wells, who was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, is eligible to play for the Dominican Republic because both of his maternal grandparents were born in the country. Despite being American-born, Wells was able to join the Dominican Republic's star-studded lineup that includes players like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic allows players with dual eligibility to represent countries other than their birthplace, which can lead to some unexpected roster selections. Wells' inclusion on the Dominican Republic team highlights how the tournament's eligibility rules open the door for players to compete for nations they may not be immediately associated with.

The details

Wells is eligible to play for the Dominican Republic through his mother, Michelle Fernandez, whose parents were both born in the Dominican Republic. This makes Wells a citizen of the Dominican Republic and allows him to represent the country in the World Baseball Classic, even though he was born in the United States. The Dominican Republic's roster is loaded with MLB stars, but Wells could provide an unexpected boost as a catcher option alongside Yainer Diaz of the Astros.

  • Wells was named to the Dominican Republic's initial 2026 World Baseball Classic roster in March 2026.
  • Wells hit a two-run home run for the Dominican Republic in a blowout win over the Netherlands during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Austin Wells

A catcher in the New York Yankees organization who was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and is eligible to play for the Dominican Republic national team through his mother's Dominican heritage.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the Dominican Republic national team and the San Diego Padres in MLB.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star infielder for the Dominican Republic national team and the Toronto Blue Jays in MLB.

Junior Caminero

A player for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Yainer Diaz

A catcher for the Houston Astros who was originally named to the Dominican Republic's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster before having to withdraw due to insurance issues.

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The takeaway

The World Baseball Classic's eligibility rules allow players with dual citizenship or heritage to represent countries other than their birthplace, which can lead to some unexpected roster selections like Yankees catcher Austin Wells playing for the Dominican Republic national team.