Aaron Judge is open to playing in 2026 World Baseball Classic: 'We gotta win it'

TAMPA, Fla. — We all remember it. 

Two years ago, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani faced off in the at-bat of a lifetime before Team Japan rushed onto the field to claim its third World Baseball Classic title. Team USA had the tying run on base with no outs in the ninth inning when Ohtani, moonlighting as the Samurai Japan closer, induced a double play, struck out Trout, and closed the book on a tournament that was nothing short of epic.

Maybe next time Team USA will get a little help from one of the most talented sluggers in baseball history. He's certainly open to it.

"I think that would be pretty fun," Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge told FOX Sports on Wednesday. "It just depends. See where I'm at in my career at that point. Hopefully they still want me."

Judge will be entering his age-34 season at this time next year, which is when the 2026 WBC is scheduled to take place. Rosters will not be finalized until next February. 

If Judge does agree to play, it would be his first time participating in the international event. 

"It would be cool to represent your country," Judge said. "[Team USA] made it to the finals, but they didn't win it. So we gotta win it. We'll see. We'll see."

A couple of Judge's teammates are also interested in suiting up for their countries. Infielder Jazz Chisholm said he would play for Great Britain in next year's WBC. Shortstop Anthony Volpe was asked to play for Team Italy in the 2023 WBC, but he said he would only ever play for Team USA, and that he would love to participate in next year's event. Two years ago, the Yankees had three players participating in the WBC, including Gleyber Torres, Kyle Higashioka, and Jonathan Loáisiga. 

Judge was recruited to join Team USA's roster in the winter of