Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, is set to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after committing ten months ago. He aims to change the script from the 2023 final where Japan defeated the United States. Judge will join teammates David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt for the tournament starting March 6.
In Tampa, Florida, Aaron Judge reflected on the 2023 World Baseball Classic final, where Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to secure Japan's victory over Team USA. "Now it’s time for us to go out there and change that script," Judge said following the Yankees' 5-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in a Grapefruit League game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Judge, named Team USA's first player and captain, is eager for the experience. He will first play exhibition games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies in Scottsdale, Arizona. Pool play for Team USA begins March 6 against Brazil at Houston's Daikin Park, with the championship potentially on March 17 at Miami's loanDepot park.
Judge described the tournament as offering a playoff atmosphere from the start. "They say it’s like a playoff atmosphere from the very beginning, but guys also said it helped them get ready for the season a lot quicker, too," he said. "It’s heated competition. You’re fighting for your country."
Teammate David Bednar, who pitched for Team USA in 2023, echoed the sentiment. "As awesome an experience as it is, I don’t think there’s any better way to get ready for a season," Bednar added. "You’re going full guns blazing from the get-go."
The New York Yankees have broad representation in the tournament. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Brendan Beck join Great Britain, while Austin Wells, Camilo Doval, and Amed Rosario suit up for the Dominican Republic. Fernando Cruz and Elmer Rodríguez pitch for Puerto Rico, Harrison Cohen for Israel, and José Caballero for Panama, who face the Yankees in an exhibition on Tuesday.
Wells expressed curiosity about international play: "I haven’t known any professional baseball outside of the Yankees. So I’m looking forward to getting out there, listening to what those guys are doing and maybe bring some stuff back here."
Caballero highlighted the pride involved: "It’s a special moment to represent your country on the biggest stage for baseball. I take a lot of pride in representing my family, my friends back home. They’re all going to be paying attention to what we do in this tournament."
Yankees coaches and alumni are also involved, including Brad Ausmus as Israel's manager, Tanner Swanson as Great Britain's bench coach, Andy Pettitte as Team USA's pitching coach, Francisco Cervelli as Italy's manager, and Jorge Posada as Italy's hitting coach.
General manager Brian Cashman views the participation positively. "We wish them all the best," he said. "If you have good players, those countries want them. If we’re losing a lot of people, it’s a reflection that we have a lot of good players."
Manager Aaron Boone anticipates a strong tournament. "I’m looking forward to following it," Boone said. "I think it’s going to be a great tournament. These guys have come in ready to go, checked a lot of boxes this winter to put themselves in position to go do this. It’s something that’s been very good for the game."
Judge looks forward to teaming with stars like Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh. "I’m excited, just like I was the day I committed," he said. "It’s going to be fun. The boys are pumped up, and it’s time to go to work." Players shared hugs as participants departed camp Friday, potentially returning with limited time before Opening Day.
