New York Yankees player Aaron Judge has been named the captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announced by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa. Judge will be debuting in the WBC, having not participated in the 2023 tournament where Team USA, also under DeRosa's management, lost to Japan in the final game. Judge expressed his pride in representing the country and reflected on the significance of wearing the 'USA' across his chest.
With two American League MVP titles and multiple All-Star appearances, Judge is off to a strong start in the 2025 season, boasting a .357 batting average, 6 home runs, and 20 RBIs in the initial 15 games. Since joining the major leagues in 2016, Judge has accumulated impressive stats, including 321 home runs, 736 RBIs, and a career batting average of .289. Former Yankees player Andy Pettitte will serve as the pitching coach on DeRosa's coaching staff for the upcoming WBC.