Yankees' Austin Wells having 'ongoing' discussions with surprise World Baseball Classic team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells has many things to prepare for this offseason. Navigating the new automated ball strike system, learning the repertoire of new pitchers, and looking to improve on a subpar offseason year.
Wells reports to spring training in two weeks, but he might not remain with the Yankees throughout the spring. Reports indicate that Team Dominican Republic is recruiting Wells to play in this year's World Baseball Classic.
Former MLB slugger Nelson Cruz is the general manager of the Dominican Republic, and Wells' mother is of Dominican descent.
To be determined
"The conversations have been good, and they are still ongoing," Wells told the YES Network's Jack Curry on an episode of Yankees Hot Stove. "I'm not too sure what I'm allowed to share or not, so hopefully we get to work something out, and we'll see what happens."
When Curry asked Wells if his status for the WBC is "TBD", Wells replied, "Yeah, for now."
Thus far, Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros and Webster Rivas of the Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League are the two catchers on the Dominican Republic's WBC roster.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
- Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
- Bo Bichette comments exhibit clear hyprocrisy
- Andrew McCutchen is not happy with the Pirates
