New York Yankees' Aaron Judge has been named as the captain for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This will be Judge's first participation in the WBC, as he had previously prioritized his commitment to the Yankees and season preparation over the event. The announcement was made via MLB's social media accounts, showcasing Judge in a Team USA jersey for the upcoming tournament.
Judge, the reigning AL MVP at 33 years old, has been performing exceptionally well in the current season, boasting a batting average of .357 and leading the league in several categories including home runs, RBIs, and OPS. The last World Baseball Classic concluded dramatically in 2023, with Japan defeating the U.S. in a thrilling final. Mark DeRosa, former MLB player and current MLB Network analyst, is set to manage Team USA in the upcoming tournament, with the first round of games scheduled to take place at the Houston Astros' Daikin Park from March 6-11.