Captain America: Judge to lead U.S. at '26 WBC

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been named the captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said Monday.

Judge will be making his WBC debut. He did not play in the WBC in 2023, when Team USA, also managed by DeRosa, lost to Japan in the title game.

"Just getting a chance to represent this country, what this country means to me," Judge told MLB Network. "Honestly, every game, during the national anthem [and] 'God Bless America,' getting a chance to sit out there, for me it's a time to reflect about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and given me the opportunity to step on a baseball field and play a game that I love.

"Now, 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. I never had this opportunity before, even growing up as a kid, so I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Judge is the first player to be named to the team.

The reigning American League MVP -- his second -- is off to another hot start in 2025, hitting .357 with 6 home runs and 20 RBIs through his first 15 games. The six-time All-Star and three-time AL home run leader has 321 home runs and 736 RBIs with a career batting average of .289 since entering the majors in 2016.

Former Yankees star Andy Pettitte will be serving as pitching coach on DeRosa 's staff.

The World Baseball Classic will run from March 5-17, 2026. Games will take place in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the semifinals and championship game in Miami.

Team USA last won the World Baseball Classic in 2017.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.