Tanner Swanson worked his magic, though, and defense became Wells’ strength. He had a strong rookie year in 2024 that saw him finish third in Rookie of the Year voting, even with a brutal September slump. Heading into 2025, the hype around Wells was palpable, so much so that he went deep as the team’s leadoff hitter on Opening Day.

If he could live in the world of “Severance,” he would have an innie and an outie: Austin Wells the catcher and Austin Wells the hitter.

Listen to various calls of Austin Wells' home run to secure the Dominican Republic's 10-0 win against Korea in the World Baseball Classic

Perhaps nobody was happier the Yankees won Wednesday night than catcher Austin Wells, after his embarrassing mental lapse on the bases cost New York an opportunity in the ninth inning. "I think I just was being an idiot," he said. Anthony Volpe hit a tying ...

Born and raised in the United States, Austin Wells is another international player on the Dominican Republic roster in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. However, his eligibility to represent the Caribbean nation is fully supported by the tournament’s rules.

Austin Wells can play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic thanks to the tournament's eligibility rules.

Cristopher Sánchez pitched five shutout innings, allowing two hits, and the Dominican Republic offense pounded out a 10-0, seven-inning win in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. Austin Wells hit a three-run home run for the 10-run rule to take effect in the bottom of the seventh.