Aaron Judge Named Team USA Captain for World Baseball Classic

Yankees star will lead the American squad in the upcoming international tournament

Feb. 19, 2026 at 8:39am

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been named the captain of the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa and Team USA were eager to get Judge on the squad, with pitching coach Andy Pettitte helping recruit the slugger. Judge, who is coming off another MVP season, will play a key leadership role for the American team in the international tournament.

Why it matters

As one of the best players in Major League Baseball, Aaron Judge's presence on the Team USA roster provides a major boost in both talent and leadership. His inclusion should help attract other top American players to join the squad and compete for the World Baseball Classic title.

The details

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa was determined to get Judge on the roster this time around, after the Yankees star declined an invitation in 2023 due to free agency commitments. DeRosa and pitching coach Andy Pettitte worked to recruit Judge, who ultimately agreed to join the team. DeRosa sees Judge as a "captain" and "pillar" who can lead the American squad. Judge is coming off another MVP season in 2025, hitting .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs.

  • Judge was recruited by Team USA in early 2026 for the upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament.

The players

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who was named the captain of the 2026 Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the 2026 Team USA squad in the World Baseball Classic.

Andy Pettitte

The pitching coach for the 2026 Team USA team who helped recruit Aaron Judge to join the roster.

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What they’re saying

“I knew if we could get Judge, position players would fall in line. Kyle Schwarber asked to be in his hitting group, they want to be around this guy. Andy Pettitte texted me and said, 'Just so you know I talked to 99 down in Tampa and he's in if you want to call him.'”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

“I called him literally within the hour. He called me back within 48 hours and was like, 'Hey I'm in. I want to do it.'”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

What’s next

With Aaron Judge on board, Team USA will continue finalizing its roster and preparing for the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament.

The takeaway

The addition of superstar Aaron Judge as Team USA's captain provides a major boost in both talent and leadership for the American squad. His presence should help attract other top MLB players to join the team and compete for the World Baseball Classic title.