MIAMI, FL — Team Dominican Republic is getting a huge boost with Austin Wells behind the dish and at the plate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The New York Yankees’ Dominican-American catcher is becoming more and more comfortable with the team every day.
During Friday’s WBC quarterfinal matchup vs. Korea, Wells was on the bench to start the game, but he got his opportunity in the seventh to send Miami into a frenzy—stepping up and hitting a deep three-run home run off the facing of the second deck in right field at loanDepot park.
Wells knew it right away, and the celebration was on to the WBC semifinals after a 10-0 victory in seven innings.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” Wells said. “Getting to play alongside Junior (Caminero) like this over here has been a ton of fun. And I’ve been able to learn a lot from them.”
Wells, 26, of Dominican heritage, was nominated for the 2024 American League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year Award and spoke with us last spring training about it.
“That’s pretty cool, having my Dominican heritage, having my grandparents be from there. It’s special to me. I think it’s great for them and the game, you know, I think that anytime a player can get recognized for having success.” -Austin Wells
Wells is Dominican through his maternal grandparents and has really come to embrace his Dominican roots on a new level. His teammates have shown to love him so much that they threw a party for him in the clubhouse while celebrating Friday’s win and even threw the Dominican Republic jacket on him during his mini-speech.
“I try to live in the present, so I’m trying to win today, and to be able to move on to the next round is a goal,” Wells told Latino Sports. “So being able to help out today and be a part of that today was a lot of fun, definitely a special moment. to be able to represent not only my family, but the Dominican country, it’s been a great honor for sure.”
“It’s something that I’m never going to forget and hopefully will be able to have the opportunity again.”
This can be a great opportunity for the three-year veteran with Wells gaining some positive momentum towards Opening Day for the Yankees, which is only 11 days away.
That was Wells’ second WBC home run, and the Dominican Republic is now 5-0—one of three undefeated teams left in this WBC. Wells has played in four out of Dominican Republic’s five games, helping the pitching staff surrender 10 runs in five games.
On another note, Wells made some history with his second WBC home run to tie two Yankees’ captains, Aaron Judge and Derek Jeter, for the most as a Yankee in the WBC.
“Yeah, it’s probably one of my favorites, if not the favorite,” said Wells of Friday’s homer.
This home run really had a special meaning for him, and this is a player who has played in the World Series and had a home run in that Fall Classic setting in 2024.
“Yeah, I think it’s different,” Wells explained. “You know, we’re here playing for the country, so on the world stage, playing to be the best country in the world, I think it’s just different.”
Austin Wells believes his success in the WBC can help him at the plate this season and more for the Yankees as Opening Day is right around the corner – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Moreover, Wells talked about how this setting, a tournament style, makes for a different setting than 81 home games in the Bronx. He attributed that to the reason why the WBC atmosphere has been so intense for the Dominican Republic.
Now the stage is set for Wells to clash with Team USA captain, Aaron Judge, for the right to go to the championship of the 2026 WBC on Sunday in Miami.
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