Aaron Judge salutes 'brave men and women' fighting for country after being named Team USA captain for WBC

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

New York Yankees two-time MVP slugger Aaron Judge will be Team USA’s captain for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and he couldn’t be happier to lead the Stars and Stripes against the world’s best talent on the diamond.

Speaking at Yankee Stadium after the announcement, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said that he asked former captain Mike Trout for permission to name Judge in the role. DeRosa said the Los Angeles Angels superstar responded, "He’s the one."

Judge remembered Trout leading out Team USA in the most recent World Baseball Classic finals, where he waved the American flag while walking out onto the field. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) heads back to the field after getting stranded on first base in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

The Yankees captain understands the responsibility that he’s been privileged to have, and he made sure to point out all those in the armed forces that allow him to do so. 

"To hear that praise from you, hear the praise from Trouty, it’s something special," Judge said to DeRosa during a press conference at Yankee Stadium. "Getting the chance to represent our country — I said it earlier this morning — just thinking about all the brave men and women who have fought for this country and laid their lives down for us to get a chance to go out here, especially me, go out here and play a game. It’s a pretty humbling experience. 

"Happy to represent the U.S. and happy to be your captain."

WHAT ARE THE 10 BIGGEST CONTRACTS IN MLB HISTORY?

Judge was vocal about his wish to