New York Yankees two-time MVP slugger Aaron Judge became captain of Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and was not happy to lead the stars and stripes against the world's best talent in Diamond.
Speaking at Yankee Stadium after the announcement, Team USA Manager Mark DeRosa said he had asked former captain Mike Trout for permission to nominate a judge for the role. Delosa said the Los Angeles Angels superstar replied, “He's alone.”
The judge recalled the mass, who led Team USA in the latest World Baseball Classic Finals, and waved the American flag while on the field there.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) returns to the field after being stuck in one base in seven innings against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn image)
The Yankees captain understood the responsibility he was privileged to have and made sure to point out all those in the army that he would allow him to do so.
“To hear praise from you and to hear praise from Trout, that's special,” the judge told DeRosa at a press conference at Yankee Stadium. “I got the opportunity to represent our country – I said it early this morning – thought about all the brave men and women who fought for this country, and gave up their lives for us, especially me, especially me, to get the opportunity to go out here and play the game. It's a rather humble experience.
“I am happy to represent the United States and be your captain.”
What is the biggest contract in MLB history?
The judge was speaking out about his desire to play for Team USA one day, but when the tournament came out in 2023, it was a difficult time when he was looking for a free agent contract. Considering what happened to New York Mets Closer Edwindias during a celebration with Team Puerto Rico, he tore Achilles in an unusual accident – the judge had not put his injuries at risk.
The judge received a nine-year, $360 million extension with the Yankees, and the captain for the franchise to launch. However, in the New Deal, the judge thought it would be wise to sit down.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hit a single against the San Francisco Giants in five innings at Yankee Stadium. (Image of Tom Horak-Immagn)
However, the judge who won the second MVP of this past season knew the tournament would appear again in 2026.
“I wanted him to be captain,” Derosa told reporters. “I felt he deserved it. I saw Mike Trout walking away to Japan with the flag raised. I want (the judge) to be that guy.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone added:
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) responds after catching a pop fly with the San Francisco Giants in eight innings at Yankee Stadium. (Image of Tom Horak-Immagn)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The judge is on the role of Team USA captain, but the surrounding list will not be confirmed until next year. It was released in early February 2023.
However, the presence of judges should express his desire to see other great players in the United States be considered by Delosa to build a team.
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
