How Austin Wells can play for the Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic

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The Dominican Republic put together a loaded offense for the World Baseball Classic, but catcher Austin Wells might be a surprise name to see in the lineup.

The American-born Yankees catcher was named to the Dominican Republic's initial roster and might have validated the decision in a win over the Netherlands, hitting a two-run home run in a blowout victory.

The Dominican Republic's championship hopes certainly run through big bats such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Junior Caminero, but Wells could be an unlikely x-factor for a team looking to avenge 2023 disappointment.

Here's a look at why Wells can play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

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How can Austin Wells play for Dominican Republic?

Wells is eligible to play for the Dominican Republic because both of his maternal grandparents were born in the country. Wells' mother, born Michelle Fernandez, is directly of Dominican descent, making her son eligible to wear the jersey.

Here's the criteria for World Baseball Classic eligibility:

  • Citizenship: The player is a citizen of the nation and holds a valid passport.
  • Permanent residency: The player is a permanent legal resident of the nation.
  • Birthplace: The player was born in the nation or territory.
  • Parental heritage: The player has at least one parent who is a citizen of the nation (or was at the time of their death).
  • Parental birthplace: The player has at least one parent who was born in the nation or territory.
  • Legal eligibility: The player can provide documentary evidence that they would be granted citizenship or a passport under the nation's laws (even if they haven't applied for it yet).
  • Historical participation: The player has previously appeared on a nation’s final roster for a WBC tournament or qualifier.

Wells is also eligible to play for the United States, but he did not have a path to cracking the American roster with All-Stars Cal Raleigh and Will Smith both holding down the catcher position for Team USA.

The Dominican Republic's lineup is similarly loaded, but catching options were thinner by comparison. Wells and Astros C Yainer Diaz made the original D.R. roster, but insurance issues forced him to pull out in favor of Marlins C Agustin Ramirez, who came up through the Yankees' system at the same time as Wells.

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Where is Austin Wells from?

Wells was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, but he grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He returned to the University of Arizona to play baseball, following in the footsteps of his parents who both attended the school.

Like many players participating in the World Baseball Classic, Wells wasn't born in the country he is representing. Because his mother has direct Dominican heritage, he is able to play for the Dominican Republic.

Who is Austin Wells’ mom?

Wells' mom, born Michelle Fernandez, is the daughter of two parents born in the Dominican Republic. She is originally from New Jersey but met her husband, Greg, at Arizona, where she was a gymnast.

Michelle stepped away from competition after two ACL surgeries to become a coach, and she later worked in marketing for the Padres and Brewers.

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Austin Wells World Baseball Classic stats

GamesAVGHRRBIHBBK2.11112102

Wells' home run against the Netherlands was his first hit at the World Baseball Classic, as he otherwise jumped out to a slow start for the Dominican Republic.

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