NEW YORK – Right fielder Aaron Judge is not only the captain of the Yankees. On Monday, Judge was given a similar title for Team USA, who will play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Judge wanted to play for the United States in 2023 but decided against it because the Yankees were his first priority. At the time, he took himself off the free agent market and re-signed with the Bronx Bombers for nine years at $360 million. Soon thereafter, Judge was named the 16th captain in franchise history. Judge acknowledged it was tough not playing for the United States two years ago.
Aaron Judge Locks In On 2026 WBC With Team USA
“It was tough looking at the group that they had, the lineup that they had, some of the greatest players in the game. It was something I wanted to be a part of,” Judge said. “… But I wanted to be a big part of getting the Yankees back to where they need to be. I felt I couldn’t miss that first Spring Training. Now if we have another deep run this year, if we finish the job [of winning the World Series], it will be fun to represent our country.”
Aaron Judge named captain of Team USA 2026 World Baseball Classic squad. All Rise!
Aaron Judge Inspired Mike Trout To Buy In To Team USA Gold Medal Run
With help from Yankees legend Andy Pettitte, Team USA’s pitching coach, and Chad Bohling, the Yankees’ director of mental conditioning, Judge decided to help the United States get the Gold Medal. Mark DeRosa then called Mike Trout, the team captain for the ‘23 team, and told him his plans for next year’s team. Trout didn’t think twice.
“[Judge] is the one,” Trout told DeRosa.
“Now, I’m getting an opportunity where I just said one little thing to Andy and I’m on the team,” Judge said. “It’s pretty special. We are going to have an exciting group. They had a great group the last time. I’m just excited to be another piece of it.”
Team USA Lost Gold Medal Game Of 2023 WBC To Japan
In ‘23, Team USA went to the gold medal game, but lost to Japan, 3-2, at loanDepot Park in Miami. The last time the United States won the gold was in 2017 when they defeated Puerto Rico, 8-0, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
