Judge relishes opportunity as U.S. captain in WBC
PHOENIX — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge expressed deep appreciation for the chance to don the Team USA jersey, especially amidst the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East following the U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran. The three-time American League MVP is leading the U.S. team as captain in the World Baseball Classic, which commences on Thursday and concludes on March 17.
The Americans will commence their campaign against Brazil in Houston on Friday. Judge, reflecting on the global chaos, emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to play the sport he loves, surrounded by his family and teammates.
During a team meeting, Judge addressed the squad, encouraging them to make the most of the experience and get to know one another. This is Judge's inaugural role as captain for Team USA, despite several other players on the roster having prior international experience.
Judge's perspective on the jersey was profound: "I flipped it over and saw the front with 'USA' on it, and it really resonated with me. I thought about the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military, ensuring my family's safety. It's a privilege to represent this country and play a game that brings joy to so many."
This marks the sixth iteration of the World Baseball Classic, dating back to its inception in 2006. Japan has triumphed three times, most recently in 2023, when Shohei Ohtani famously struck out U.S. star Mike Trout for the final out. The Dominican Republic claimed victory in 2013, and the U.S. secured its sole title in 2017.
This year's tournament, featuring 20 teams, commences on Thursday with four groups of five teams competing in Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The U.S. team will be based in Houston, playing four games over five days in Pool B against Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil.
The tournament's format includes a single-elimination phase, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Houston and Miami will host games in the quarterfinal round, while the semifinals and final will be held in Miami.
Prior to the tournament, the U.S. team will play two exhibition games in Arizona against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday and the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. The Americans boast a young, talented pitching staff, including last year's Cy Young Award winners, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.
Skenes played his initial two seasons in college for the Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa recounted a memorable conversation with Skenes, who expressed his desire to honor every serviceman and woman who safeguards the nation's freedom.
Among the pitching staff are Giants workhorse Logan Webb, Padres flamethrowing reliever Mason Miller, and veteran lefty Clayton Kershaw, who retired from Major League Baseball after an illustrious 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Kershaw is returning for one more WBC appearance.
Skubal has indicated he will start once for the U.S. team before rejoining the Detroit Tigers for the remainder of spring training. The potential starting lineup boasts power with veteran sluggers Bryce Harper, Judge, and Kyle Schwarber. Additionally, the team features youth and speed with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
DeRosa, who returns as manager after leading the U.S. to a second-place finish in 2023, is joined by former Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte as the pitching coach. Matt Holliday and Sean Casey serve as hitting coaches, while Michael Young assumes the role of bench coach.
