Aaron Judge ‘excited’ and ‘blessed’ to be named Team USA Captain for WBC 2026

Aaron Judge did not take part in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) after penning down a massive 9-year deal with the Yankees.

Aaron Judge ‘excited’ and ‘blessed’ to be named Team USA Captain for WBC 2026

Aaron Judge (Image via X/@BRWalkoff)

On Monday, team USA made a massive announcement for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2026. They named New York Yankees star Aaron Judge as the captain of the team for the next edition of this tournament.

Judge, the Yankees captain, did not feature in the 2023 event. He would decide not to represent his country as he had just signed a massive 9-year $360 million deal with the Bronx Bombers. Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout was thus named the captain of the team and was given the opportunity to lead the team out on the field.

YouTube video

During the Spring Training this year, Judge expressed his desire to play in the 2026 edition after sitting out in the previous one. He will now not only get to play in the WBC next year but will also have the responsibility of captaining his nation.

Taking to his Instagram account, the 2-time American League MVP made his feelings known. He would share a reel about his career highlights and wrote that he was ‘excited‘ and ‘blessed‘ for this chance.

Excited to represent team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic! A lot of work to be done before then but blessed and humbled for this opportunity!

Aaron Judge wrote on Instagram

A few days ago, Team USA also announced the return of Mark DeRosa. The former MLB star took on the role of team manager in 2023 and led them to the final. Unfortunately, they ended up losing 3-2 against Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan. This time, DeRosa and his team will be hoping to go one step further than they did last time out.

Mike Trout’s 3-word reaction regarding Aaron Judge being named as Team USA Captain revealed

In a massive decision, the Team USA gave the captaincy nod to Aaron Judge instead of going back with Mike Trout. In a press conference on Monday, manager Mark DeRosa revealed what the Los Angeles Angels star said about this decision.

Mike Trout and Aaron Judge
Mike Trout and Aaron Judge (Image via Imago)

As per a clip shared by SNY, DeRosa spoke with Trout first before making this decision. The 11-time MLB All-Star was not fazed by this decision and gave his approval with a 3-word message of, “He’s the one.“

I felt like I watched Mike Trout walk out against Japan holding the flag, and I want you to be that guy. So I reached out to Trout yesterday and told him where we were going, and he said, “He’s the one.”

Mark DeRosa said in the press conference

After signing a 9-year deal with the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge was named the captain of the team. During his second year as the captain, he led his team to their first World Series since 2009. However, the American League side ended up on the losing end as they got crushed 4-1 by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Aaron Judge and Mike Trout are off to a solid start to the 2025 season

After having another top season with the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge was named the unanimous American League MVP. He has started off the season from where he left off. Meanwhile, Mike Trout also seems to be in great form after coming back from an injury.

Aaron Judge and Mike Trout
Aaron Judge and Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

The Yankees started the season strong with Judge leading the pack. In the opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the team hit 15 home runs with Judge hitting 4 of them.

The Yankees star is currently tied in the American League for the most home runs at 6. In the 16 games played this year, he is batting with a high average of .367 while having an OPS of 1.212 through 60 at bats.

Meanwhile, Mike Trout seems to be back to his very best this year. The 33-year-old has also hit 6 home runs this year. While his batting average of .196 is a bit lower than what many would have expected from him, his hits this year have counted for the Angels. His team is currently on top of the AL West standings with a 9-6 record.

Trout missed over half of the season last year after undergoing a second meniscus surgery. Fans are now hoping that he can continue to stay healthy and help the Angels finally end their postseason drought this year.