Aaron Judge Named Team USA Captain for 2026 WBC with Mike Trout’s Blessing
Before officially naming Yankees superstar Aaron Judge the captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, manager Mark DeRosa first sought approval from a familiar face—Angels veteran Mike Trout.
Trout, who led Team USA in the 2023 tournament, gave his full support: “He’s the one,” he told DeRosa.
Judge, speaking to reporters after the announcement on Monday, called it a “special honor” to receive Trout’s endorsement.
“Just thinking about the men and women who have served this country and made it possible for us to play this game—it’s incredibly humbling,” Judge said. “I’m honored to represent the U.S. and be your captain.”
Though Judge had shown interest in the previous WBC, he opted out of the 2023 tournament following his record-setting 62-homer season and massive nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees. At the time, the risk of injury during his free agency period made it a tough call to join Team USA.
This time, however, Judge jumped at the opportunity—without even consulting the Yankees.
“I didn’t talk to the team before agreeing,” Judge admitted. “It just felt like the right time. I missed out last time, and now, before I get too old and Mark decides I’m not worth the roster spot, I want the chance to represent my country and chase that gold medal.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Judge’s leadership and charisma: “He’s one of the faces of the game. He has that magnetic personality that draws respect from everyone around baseball. I think it’s a perfect fit.”
Judge, now 33, will be taking the reins from Trout, who captained Team USA to a runner-up finish in 2023, falling just short in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Japan. The game ended in a historic showdown when Shohei Ohtani struck out Trout, his then-teammate, to seal Japan’s championship.
DeRosa, who will once again manage the squad, reflected on what it means to wear the red, white, and blue.
“There’s something different about putting ‘USA’ across your chest,” he said. “You’re not just playing for yourself. You’re playing for your family, your history, your values—it’s about much more than just baseball.”
Team USA is set to compete in Group B alongside Great Britain, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico, with pool play taking place in Houston from March 6-11, 2026. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals, with the championship game set for March 17 in Miami.
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