Boone gladly appointed Judge as the captain of Team USA, calling the decision perfectly fitting.

Last summer, the New York Yankees had to consider what their batting order would be like without Aaron Judge—when this strong hitter was checked for right elbow issues, the team's season prospects appeared to hang by a thread.

This spring, they will face this scenario once more, but the cause is a positive one. The current American League MVP has been named captain of the United States team for the World Baseball Classic and will temporarily leave the Yankees' spring training camp in early March to prepare for the national team competition.

“I’m excited for him,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said yesterday on YES Network’s Hot Stove show. “Given his influence and level of play, along with the growing prominence of this event—there’s no doubt the last Classic was an extraordinary occasion.”

“I believe appointing Aaron Judge as captain of Team USA is the right choice... I look forward to seeing him perform in such a high-profile setting. Hopefully, after a few weeks away, we’ll welcome him back smoothly.”

Judge was named captain of Team USA last April, becoming the first player to commit to the national team under Mark DeRosa’s leadership.

This will be his first time participating in the World Baseball Classic. Judge had shown interest in the 2023 Classic but ultimately chose to sit out after achieving a single-season record of 62 home runs and going through intense free agency negotiations (signing a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees).

“Representing the country is a special experience,” he said at the time. “I think of all the brave men and women who have fought and even given their lives for this nation. Being able to play for the country is a humbling experience.”

Judge and Yankees closer David Bednar have both confirmed their participation on Team USA.

Other Yankees players who might take part include José Caballero (Panama), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Great Britain), Fernando Cruz (Puerto Rico), Camilo Doval (Dominican Republic), and Austin Wells (Dominican Republic).

Regarding the injury risks players like Judge may face by joining the Classic, Boone took a relaxed stance.

“There’s always some concern about playing intense games this early each year,” Boone said, “but it’s become an important part of baseball, and we understand that. What we can do is try our best to help players participate safely and stay healthy in top form.”

“Of course, certain specific cases—especially pitchers—we’d prefer they avoid. But we also recognize that competing at this level has positive value for players. For some of our pitchers, it even encourages them to make more structured adjustments during the offseason to be in better shape for the season.”

After narrowly defeating Seattle Mariners’ power-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh, Judge won the AL MVP award for the third time. He will officially receive the honor at the 101st annual New York Baseball Writers’ Association (BBWAA) dinner on January 24.