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Aaron Judge is set to bring his leadership to an international stage.
The reigning American League MVP has been named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his debut in the tournament.
Judge commits to Team USA
The announcement, made Monday, makes Judge the first official commitment to Team USA's roster.
Though widely expected to the 2023 squad, Judge ultimately sat out the last WBC.
That spring, he had just signed a nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees and taken on the mantle of team captain, the first since Derek Jeter.
With that transition behind him and another MVP added to his résumé, Judge was quick to accept this time around.
"It wasn't the best, sitting at home watching Team USA battle,"Judge said on MLB Network.
"I wanted to be there, it was kind of in the middle of free agency."
Now fully committed, Judge described the opportunity as deeply meaningful.
"Getting a chance to represent this country... and have Team USA across my chest, it's a great opportunity," he said.
"I never had this opportunity before, even growing up as a kid."
Mark DeRosa, who will return as Team USA's manager, said naming Judge captain was his top priority.
"When I was named manager, the first guy I thought of was No. 99,"DeRosa shared.
"I wanted him to be the captain. I felt like he's deserving of it."
Judge succeeds Mike Trout in the role, and the Angels star gave his full .
"He should be,"Trout reportedly told DeRosa when informed of the decision.
Reflecting on the honor, Judge added, "I'm just thinking about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and laid their lives down for us to get a chance to go out here and play a game. It's a pretty humbling experience."
While Judge hopes Trout s him in the outfield in 2026, he said he's not planning to recruit others.
Given the enthusiasm around Team USA, it may not be necessary.
DeRosa noted, "From a position player standpoint, I could probably fill out five lineups with guys that want to do it."
With his leadership established in New York, Judge now turns his sights toward leading on baseball's global stage.