Aaron Judge to captain Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge to lead the United States in next year’s global tournament.

Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees makes a catch for an out in the third inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in New York, on April 14, 2025. Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Aaron Judge will captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, making his long-awaited debut on the international stage. The announcement, made on Monday, confirms the New York Yankees slugger’s new role as leader of the United States squad, a position that fans and analysts alike believe he was born to fill.

Aaron Judge to captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic encapsulates not only the essence of the news but also what it means for American baseball as a whole. The 32-year-old powerhouse, who launched an astonishing 58 home runs in the most recent MLB season, is stepping into a role that blends prestige, leadership, and national pride.

For the Yankees’ star, this is more than just another baseball competition. It’s a lifelong dream fulfilled.

“Getting a chance to have ‘USA’ across my chest and represent all the great people in our country and represent what this country means, it’s a great opportunity,” Judge told MLB Network. “I never had this opportunity before, even growing up as a kid, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Judge’s long-awaited debut

Judge did not participate in the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic, where fellow MLB star Mike Trout led the U.S. team to the final before falling to Japan, spearheaded by Shohei Ohtani. Judge’s absence then was felt by many, but his decision to play in 2026 has already reignited excitement and high expectations around Team USA’s chances.

Unlike 2023, this time Judge will wear the captain’s “C” on his chest and bring both power and poise to the American lineup. Known for his towering home runs and calm leadership in the Yankees clubhouse, Judge’s inclusion is seen as a major boost to the team’s prospects of reclaiming the WBC title, last won by the U.S. in 2017.

A tournament with global reach

The World Baseball Classic, now entering its sixth edition, has grown into the most prestigious international tournament in the sport. Next year’s competition will take place from March 5–17, with the opening round held across four cities: Houston, Miami, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Tokyo. The semi-finals and final will return to Miami, which hosted the 2023 championship game.

Team USA will be managed once again by Mark DeRosa, who led the team in 2023. With Judge now on board, expectations are soaring.

Symbol of American baseball

For Aaron Judge, captaining Team USA isn’t just a title—it’s a statement. The slugger has long been seen as the embodiment of American baseball excellence. With his massive frame, calm demeanor, and clutch performances, he represents everything the sport aspires to be on the world stage.

His presence gives the U.S. lineup an undeniable edge. His leadership, both on and off the field, offers younger players a role model. Judge isn’t just there to hit home runs; he’s there to inspire.

Baseball fans across the country have already started dreaming of a Judge-led redemption arc. After Japan’s dramatic win in 2023, including a memorable showdown between Ohtani and Trout, the U.S. is hungry to reclaim its crown—and Aaron Judge could be the key to that mission.

Team USA’s path to redemption

The 2023 final was bittersweet for American fans. Despite strong performances from Trout and others, the team fell just short. Japan, with their precision and explosive talent, edged them out in a tight contest. The loss highlighted a need for even more firepower and leadership—something Judge brings in abundance.

Now, the narrative has shifted. Judge’s entry into the WBC scene changes the equation completely. Paired with other stars—many of whom are likely to return from the 2023 squad—the U.S. suddenly looks formidable.

While full rosters have yet to be announced, early indications are that the tournament will feature many of MLB’s brightest names. For Team USA, that likely includes Trout again, alongside players like Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, and possibly pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer, should they be available.

With Judge as captain, these stars would be playing under the leadership of a man who has earned universal respect across the league.

Building the roster around Judge

The decision to name Judge as captain now, nearly a full year before the first pitch, is strategic. It allows Team USA to build its identity early. Judge’s presence not only helps attract other big names to commit but also sets the tone for training, culture, and chemistry.

Manager Mark DeRosa emphasized that importance in a statement released after the announcement. “Aaron brings everything you want in a captain—talent, character, experience, and the will to win. He’s the kind of player that lifts everyone around him.”

DeRosa’s confidence in Judge is echoed by the USA Baseball program, which has long sought to establish consistent leadership in its ranks. Judge could be the long-term solution to that leadership gap—especially if he returns for multiple tournaments, depending on health and availability.

The global spotlight on Judge

While Judge is no stranger to pressure, leading Team USA will put him under a new kind of spotlight. In the MLB, he’s cheered by Yankees fans and feared by opposing pitchers. In the WBC, he’ll carry the hopes of an entire nation—millions watching, rooting, and judging every swing.

It’s a challenge he appears to welcome.

Judge has often spoken about the pride he feels representing not just a team but a community. Now, he has the chance to represent an entire country. And with the WBC's growing popularity, the eyes of the world will be on him.

There’s still nearly a year to go before the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins, but anticipation is already building. With Aaron Judge to captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament.

For now, fans can only imagine what a Judge-led Team USA might look like on the field. One thing is certain: the captain is ready, and the mission is clear—bring the World Baseball Classic trophy back home.