New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is going to adopt the “C” for another squad.
The feared Bronx Bomber committed to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and was named its captain by manager Mark DeRosa on Monday.
“Just getting a chance to represent this country, what this country means to me,” Judge said on MLB Network. “Every game during the national anthem, God Bless America, to stand out there, it’s a time to reflect about the brave men and women who have fought for this country and gave me the opportunity to step on a baseball field and play the game that I love. To have USA across my chance and represent all the great people in our country and represent what this country means, it’s a great opportunity.”
A two-time American League MVP and six-time All-Star, Judge will be competing at his first World Baseball Classic next season after missing the 2023 tournament due to his foray into free agency.
The Americans lost to Japan in the championship game, remembered for the gargantuan tilt that saw Shohei Ohtani strike out former USA captain Mike Trout to clinch the title.
“It wasn’t the best sitting at home watching Team USA battle,” Judge said. “I wanted to be there. I was in the middle of free agency, but I was looking forward to this opportunity again and getting a chance to represent and be the captain — something that Trouty did the last time — it’s a pretty special honor.”
DeRosa, who will be managing Team USA for a second straight WBC, said that Judge was “the first call” that he made as he begins to fill out his roster. The competition will begin on March 5 and run through March 17.
“To hop into games that are playoff atmosphere, the highest stakes, right from the jump was what everyone talked about. Getting a chance to be in those moments and play with some guys that usually you watch from afar and now get a chance to see up close and we’re all brothers and wearing Team USA across our chest, it’s going to be exciting.”
For more on Aaron Judge and the World Baseball Classic, visit AMNY.com
