Yankees’ Aaron Judge most eager to learn from these USA teammates during WBC
Share this @internewscast.com


TAMPA — As Aaron Judge talked about his upcoming debut in the World Baseball Classic, the Yankees standout and Team USA captain expressed that the most exciting aspect of the tournament will be sharing a clubhouse with other elite players.

Having been a seven-time All-Star, the reigning American League MVP is no stranger to environments filled with talent. However, Judge anticipates that the atmosphere in this instance will be unique due to the national pride driving not only his squad but all the participating teams.

“There’s a lot of national pride involved,” Judge noted, mentioning some playful banter with Yankees teammates representing other countries. “This is fantastic for baseball and thrilling for the fans.”

Judge is eager to engage with other stars on Team USA, which boasts an exceptionally strong roster for this WBC edition. When asked if there were specific players he wanted to learn from, Judge shared with the Daily News that he has a few in mind.

First on his list is Team USA’s first baseman, Bryce Harper.

“Harper is someone who’s had a successful, varied career across different teams and situations,” Judge remarked about the former National and current Phillie, who also has several MVP titles to his name. “He’s definitely someone I want to learn from, especially since he’ll likely be hitting ahead of me. I’m keen to understand his approach and strategies.”

Judge couldn’t stop at one player, though, as he also mentioned two center fielders: the Twins’ Byron Buxton and the Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong.

While Judge has mostly been a right fielder — he was the man in the middle of the Yankees’ outfield in 2024 — he already finds defensive pointers from Bombers center fielder Trent Grisham helpful. Perhaps with some added advice from Buxton and PCA, Judge can join the trio in the Gold Glove club this season.

“They’re two of the best center fielders in the game,” said Judge, a talented defender in his own right. “That’s one thing that’s great about having Grisham, another one of the best center fielders in the game. Having him next to me to pick his brain, what he looks for, what he tries to train, what he does [helps], so Bux and those guys all kind of do the same thing.”

Judge will have plenty of others to talk shop with on Team USA, including, but certainly not limited to, Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal — the latter said he’ll only make one WBC start on Monday — the recently retired and Hall of Fame-bound Clayton Kershaw, and 2025 AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh.

While Judge will also talk about life in the majors, leadership and family with other stars, he said he is most interested to see how they prepare.

“That’s the one thing I always look at any guy we get [with the Yankees],” Judge said. “’How do you prepare to be great?’ All those guys in that room are going to be great, so that’ll be fun.”

Of course, Judge will try to give as much as he takes during the WBC. He just wants to make sure that he saves the best tips for his Yankees peers.

“I’m an open book,” he said. “If you’ve got questions for me, or you want to watch anything, see anything, I’m here to grow the game. I won’t give away all the top secrets. I usually save those for the Yankees, but I’m here to help guys. That’s what this game is about.”

A few of Judge’s Yankees teammates will also briefly ditch the pinstripes for the stars and stripes, as first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and closer David Bednar are also playing for the U.S. Meanwhile, former Yankee and current special advisor Andy Pettitte is going to serve as pitching coach under manager Mark DeRosa.

Other Yankees playing in the WBC include Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Great Britain); José Caballero (Panama); Fernando Cruz and Elmer Rodríguez (Puerto Rico); and Camilo Doval, Austin Wells and Amed Rosario (Dominican Republic).

With the Yankees’ long list of WBC participants expected to leave camp on March 1 — the tournament runs from March 5-17 — Judge can’t wait to don a different uniform for a little while as Team USA looks to avenge its second-place finish to Japan in 2023.

“I never had the opportunity to represent the USA,” Judge said, “and getting a chance to wear that across my chest is going to be pretty powerful.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Creepy school music teacher allegedly got heart tattoos for teen student he was obsessed with

School Music Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Obsession: Allegedly Tattoos Hearts for Teen Student

A music teacher at a Miami high school is facing serious allegations…
Could Somaliland base emerge as US foothold against Iran, Houthis in key sea lanes?

Somaliland’s Strategic Base: A New US Stronghold Against Iran and Houthi Threats in Vital Sea Lanes?

Africom general visits Somaliland in November U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson,…
Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke looks back at her first 15 months in office

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke Reflects on Her First 15 Months in Office

CHICAGO (WLS) — The chief prosecutor of Cook County, speaking with the…
Avid runner stabbed and shot in string of random attacks allegedly carried out by repeat offender

Avid Runner Injured in Series of Alleged Random Assaults by Repeat Offender

A 40-year-old enthusiastic runner became the victim of a brutal attack, both…
Woman grabs child in Walmart and slashes him with knife before officers fatally shoot her

Tragic Incident at Walmart: Woman Fatally Shot by Officers After Assaulting Child with Knife

In Omaha, Nebraska, police shot and killed a woman who was accused…
Camp Mystic official says he didn't see flood warnings issued the day before storm hit

Camp Mystic’s Unforeseen Flood: Why Crucial Warnings Went Unnoticed

The tragic events at a Texas summer camp in 2025, where 27…
Kash Patel trolls Eric Swalwell with FBI sitdown invite as Dems deny knowing disgraced rep lived 'double life'

Kash Patel’s Bold Move: Invites Eric Swalwell to FBI Meeting Amid Controversial Spy Allegations

WASHINGTON — On Monday evening, FBI Director Kash Patel extended a pointed…
Athena Strand photo shows deadly ride with FedEx driver who admitted killing girl during Christmas delivery

Chilling Details Emerge: FedEx Driver Searched ‘Missing Girl’ and Camera Locations After Athena Strand Kidnapping, Expert Reveals

A former delivery driver, responsible for the tragic death of 7-year-old Athena…
Suspect arrested after housekeeper tied up, attacked in Massachusetts mansion heist

Massachusetts Mansion Heist: Suspect Arrested After Shocking Attack on Housekeeper

A suspect has been apprehended following a dramatic break-in at a luxurious…
Texas teacher charged after alleged student assault 'hoax' causes lockdown

Texas Teacher Arrested Following Alleged Student Assault Hoax Leading to School Lockdown

A Texas high school teacher who instigated a campus lockdown by claiming…
Illegal immigrant driver charged with DUI after car veers off road, kills two children on bikes: police

Tragic DUI Incident: Undocumented Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Accident Claims Lives of Two Children in Biking Tragedy

An undocumented immigrant, reportedly so impaired he couldn’t stand, is accused of…
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas resigns after bipartisan calls for expulsion, admitting to sexual misconduct

Texas Representative Tony Gonzales Resigns Amid Bipartisan Expulsion Calls Following Admission of Sexual Misconduct

WASHINGTON — Republican Representative Tony Gonzales from Texas has stepped down from…