New York Yankees All-Star Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Judge succeeds Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout in the role for the United States baseball team.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa made the announcement live on MLB Network.
“Last time we went into this, Mike Trout, we all followed him,” DeRosa began. “He carried the flag out, he was the captain of that team, and rightfully so. Well, heading into 2026, I think there’s a certain someone that needs to be the captain of this team.
“I’m going to say he’s a two-time MVP, he’s a former Rookie of the Year and he’s a six-time All-Star. I think he patrols right field for the New York Yankees.”
Judge is poised to make his WBC debut. He had interest in playing for Team USA on their 2023 roster but passed on the opportunity to do so because of his free agency process.
Judge is the first confirmed player for the Team USA roster that will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Though, Trout has expressed interest in suiting up once again, and Judge is hopeful to have him as a teammate.
Getting a player of Judge’s caliber to commit to the international tournament was something Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel anticipated. Ebel is on the Team USA coaching staff for 2026, returning in his role as third base coach.
“I think, and this is my opinion, but I think they’re all going to jump in because you got guys like Mike Trout and Mookie Betts last time saying they would do it again to go through that atmosphere and represent their country,” Ebel told DodgerBlue.com
“I think it’s going to be a massive blowout. Judge at that time, I think he was going through a contract thing, and (Bryce) Harper was hurt. So I hope those guys participate and they go recruit some names.”
What could be most pivotal for Team USA is what starting pitchers are permitted to join the roster.
“The biggest thing for me is always the pitching staff, if an organization lets their guy go,” Ebel said. “I have a strong feeling a lot of the superstars are going to be on board.”
2026 WBC locations
Games for the 2026 WBC are going to be played at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas; Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan; and loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Team USA is part of Pool B, which will play their WBC games in Houston. They’re joined by Brazil, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico.
The top two nations will advance to the quarterfinal round in Houston against the top two finishers from Pool A.
The semifinal round (March 15 and 16) and WBC championship game (March 17) is again being held in Miami.
Team USA coaching staff
Manager: Mark DeRosa
Bench coach: Skip Schumaker
Pitching coach: Andy Pettitte
Hitting coach: Matt Holliday
First Base coach: George Lombard
Third Base coach: Dino Ebel
Bullpen coach: David Ross
Assistant manager: Fredi González
Assistant manager: Brian McCann
Assistant manager: Michael Young
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
