Aaron Judge, the towering slugger for the New York Yankees and one of baseball’s most recognizable talents, is shifting his focus from the Bronx to the international stage as the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches.
After years of dominating in Major League Baseball, including being a multi-time All-Star and MVP winner, Judge will be making his first appearance for the United States national team. For him, the tournament represents an opportunity to learn from some of the sport’s most accomplished players and refine his own approach to the game.
As anticipation builds across Major League Baseball, fans are eager to see Judge take his skills to the international diamond.
The WBC, which begins in early March just as spring training ramps up, brings together top talent from around the world, creating a unique environment where players often face opponents they would rarely encounter in the regular season.
For Judge, this is an ideal setting not only to showcase his power at the plate but also to observe and study the strategies and techniques of other elite players. His approach reflects a mindset that seeks continuous improvement, even for a superstar already at the top of his game.
Judge’s list: Who he wants to study in the WBC
In a recent interview, Judge revealed the three players he is most excited to learn from during the tournament. Leading the list is Bryce Harper, the veteran slugger of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Judge singled out Harper‘s experience and plate discipline, noting that with Harper likely hitting ahead of him, it will be a prime opportunity to observe his thought process and approach to at-bats.
“He’s definitely at the top of my list. I think he’s going to be hitting in front of me, so it’ll be good to kind of pick his brain about what he looks for,” Judge told New York Daily.
Next on Judge‘s radar are two of baseball’s most dynamic centerfielders: Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs. Judge highlighted their defensive skills, speed, and instincts, which he hopes to study closely.
Drawing on his past experiences learning from Yankees teammate Trent Grisham, Judge emphasized the value of picking the brains of elite centerfielders to better understand positioning and overall field awareness.
Beyond these three, Judge is excited to observe other standout talents on Team USA, including pitchers and emerging stars, recognizing that learning in a collaborative environment can enhance his own game.
Judge‘s approach to the WBC shows his commitment to growth. Even as one of the most feared hitters in MLB, he is showing a mindset that is focused on continual improvement.
By combining international experience with the lessons he gathers from players like Harper, Buxton, and Crow-Armstrong, Judge is not only aiming to help Team USA succeed but also to set himself up for another stellar season with the Yankees in 2026.
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