New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge was named the captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He takes over the role after Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout held the title for the US when they finished in second place in 2023.
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 due to his ongoing free agent process.
Judge is the first confirmed player for the 2026 WBC roster for Team USA, although Trout has expressed interest in suiting up again for the team. Judge is hopeful to have the Angels star as a teammate.
Team USA’s downfall in 2023 was not their offense, though. They had a collection of some of the best hitters on Earth and could swing the bats as well as any other nation. It was pitching, and largely the fact that teams were hesitant to allow their star pitchers to potentially suffer injuries playing winter baseball.
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 a part of Pool B and will play their games in Houston. They are 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 in Pool A.
The semifinal round (March 15 and 16) and the 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 Gonzalez
Assistant Manager: Brian McCann
Assistant Manager: Michael Young
