The stars and stripes will have a new leader in 2026. New York Yankees slugger and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge has been named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, manager Mark DeRosa announced Monday. Judge, 32, will be making his WBC debut and becomes the first official selection to the national team for the upcoming tournament.
“I got an opportunity before I get too old and Mark doesn’t want me anymore,” Judge joked at Yankee Stadium.
Judge opted not to play in the 2023 WBC, citing his recent free agency and new role as Yankees captain. That squad, also managed by DeRosa, finished runner-up to Japan in a thrilling championship game. Mike Trout captained that team, and according to DeRosa, was informed Sunday of Judge’s selection as the new captain.
“I think it’s the perfect face to be captain of Team USA,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Judge represents everything that’s great about the game.”
Judge has picked up right where he left off in 2024, hitting .357 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through the first 15 games of the 2025 season. The six-time All-Star and three-time AL home run king owns a career batting average of .289 with 321 home runs and 736 RBIs since debuting in 2016. His leadership and bat will now anchor a Team USA squad hungry to reclaim gold.
“I felt like first my responsibility [in 2023] was to the Yankees,” Judge said. “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.”
Judge did not inform the Yankees ahead of his decision to commit to the 2026 WBC.
Joining DeRosa’s staff will be former Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte, who will serve as Team USA’s pitching coach. Pettitte’s experience and postseason pedigree could prove invaluable in a tournament where starting pitching participation remains a challenge due to MLB teams’ reluctance.
“Something happens when you put U-S-A across your chest,” DeRosa said. “You’re playing for way more than yourself. You’re playing for your great-grandfather, your grandparents, your parents, what they represent — your morals, your values, everything.”
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will run from March 5 to March 17, with games held in Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan. The semifinals and championship game will take place at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Great Britain, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico. Their group-stage games will be played at Houston’s Minute Maid Park from March 6 to March 11.
The U.S. last won the WBC in 2017 and will look to return to glory behind Judge’s leadership.
“I’m honored,” Judge said. “There’s nothing like representing your country. I’m ready to help bring a championship back to the USA.”
With the captaincy officially passed from Trout to Judge, Team USA appears poised to make another deep run — this time with the Yankees’ towering outfielder leading the charge.
