Yankees Captain Becomes Team USA Captain For 2026

Photo by Major League Baseball & World Baseball Classic (IG)

NEW YORK, NY: The 6’7” 282 behemoth of a stature has always looked the part of a superhero. Now Aaron Judge has the title of one, Captain America.

On Monday, the current American League MVP revealed that he will man the ship of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Since it took place during the first spring training following his signing of a nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the Yankees, and after he was named the team's first captain since Derek Jeter, Judge chose not to attend the most recent WBC in 2023.

Judge claimed he did not notify the Yankees in advance of his nomination this time around and that he declined to participate in the 2023 tournament after just been selected as the Yankees captain and going through free agency. "I felt like first my responsibility [in 2023] was to the Yankees," Judge stated. "I wanted to be a big part of getting the Yankees back where they need to be, so I felt I couldn't miss that first spring training."

Along with Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico, Team USA will participate in Pool B. Houston's Daikin Park will host Pool B play from March 6–11. On March 17, the WBC championship will take place in Miami.

“It’s something special, getting a chance to represent our country,” Judge said. “I’m just thinking about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and laid their lives down for us to get a chance to go out here and play a game. It’s a pretty humbling experience.”

Andy Pettitte, DeRosa's pitching coach, was informed by DeRosa that Judge had brought up the prospect of playing for Team USA. Judge's wishes were also conveyed to DeRosa by Chad Bohling, the Yankees' senior director of organizational performance.

"No. 99 was the first person that came to mind when I was promoted to manager," DeRosa remarked. He should be the captain, in my opinion. I thought he was worthy of it. I want [Judge] to be like Mike Trout, who walked out against Japan while holding the flag.