Aaron Boone isn’t worried about being “politically correct” with his stance on Aaron Judge’s participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
During a performance op YES Network’s “Yankees Hot Stove” On Monday, play-by-play announcer Michael Kay asked the Yankees skipper how “sick” he will be about the judge who captains Team USA.
Boone emphatically dismissed that idea.
“I’m actually excited for Aaron, and that’s not politically correct,” Boone said with a chuckle, noting that Judge sat out the 2023 tournament after signing his nine-year contract with the Yankees. “I’m excited for him because I know he didn’t do it the last time because he was named captain and all that was still in motion.
“I think it’s a player of his size and caliber, and I think it’s as popular as we’ve seen this tournament, or whatever you want to call it, become – and certainly last time it was a special, special event.”
The 33-year-old Judge was announced as captain of Team USA in April and beamed at representing the United States.
“To have the opportunity to represent this country … and have Team USA on my chest, it’s an amazing opportunity,” Judge said at the time. “I’ve never had this opportunity before, even growing up as a kid.”
Judge went on to deliver another monster 2025 season for the Yankees, winning his third American League MVP award and his first batting title with a .331 average while hitting at least 50 home runs for the fourth time.
But Judge also suffered a right elbow strain in July, which forced him to go on the injured list and affected his pitching the rest of the year.
Injuries during the event have long raised concerns, especially in 2023, when then-Mets closer Edwin Díaz suffered a season-ending knee injury on the occasion of a victory, while Astros star José Altuve broke his hand after being hit by a pitch.
Judge isn’t the only Yankee in the tournament.
Closer David Bednar has committed to Team USA, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Great Britain), Austin Wells (Dominican Republic), Fernando Cruz (Puerto Rico) and José Caballero (Panama) are among the possibilities.
Despite previous injuries during the tournament, Boone said the WBC is an important part of the sport.
“Anytime you’re playing high-stakes baseball this early in the year, there’s a little bit of concern,” Boone admitted. “But it’s become a big part of our sport. All we can do is help these guys put themselves in the best position to do it safely and healthily.
“Life happens, sports happens, injuries happen. I hope we avoid it all, but there are no guarantees.”
The judges-led squad – featuring 2025 AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh, along with Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes – will attempt to capture Team USA’s first WBC title since 2017.
And Boone believes there is no better captain.
“I think Aaron Judge being captain of the U.S. team is the right thing,” Boone said. “I’m happy he can play in that environment and hopefully it will only be a few weeks and then we get him back.”
The tournament starts on March 5.
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