Nelson Cruz and the Dominican Republic are hoping to bring an MLB catcher onto their squad for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Per Daniel Santana of Diario Libre, New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells is being recruited to play for the Dominican Republic team next spring.
Though Wells was born and raised in America, he is of Dominican descent on his mother’s side.
The Dominican roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is not set just yet, but it could be a star-studded group. The roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic included players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Juan Soto and more.
While the Dominican Republic has some potentially notable members in the infield, outfield and on the mound, an elite catcher is one thing they lack, and Wells could be the solution.
The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, recording 21 home runs and 71 RBI across 126 games.
Joining the Dominican team would also give him a better chance at seeing the field than he would likely get if he suited up for the United States. Considering Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who is coming off a historic season at the plate, has already committed to play for Team USA, Wells would have a hard time seeing action behind the dish.
The Dominican Republic won the World Baseball Classic in 2013, but has not made it past the second round in the last two tournaments. Bringing in a catcher like Wells could give the Dominican squad a much better chance at taking home a victory.
Before Wells makes a decision about the WBC, he’ll keep his focus on the rest of the postseason. The Yankees are down 2-0 to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS and will look to turn things around starting on Tuesday.
