**Aaron Judge Reveals Top 3 MLB Players He Wants to Learn From in the World Baseball Classic**
TAMPA, Fla. – As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, New York Yankees captain and three-time AL MVP **Aaron Judge** is embracing his new role leading Team USA with characteristic humility and enthusiasm. Named captain last April by manager Mark DeRosa, Judge will make his international debut in March, captaining a star-studded roster aiming to reclaim gold after the heartbreaking 2023 final loss to Japan.
In recent interviews during Yankees spring training, Judge opened up about his excitement for the tournament, describing it as “a whole other level” of intensity compared to even playoff baseball. He emphasized the unique pride and awe of representing the country, drawing from conversations with past participants.
But beyond leading and competing, Judge highlighted his eagerness to grow as a player by learning from teammates. The 6’7″ slugger, fresh off back-to-back MVP seasons (including a league-leading .331 average, 53 home runs, and 1.159+ OPS in 2025), revealed his top three MLB players he most wants to study during the WBC.
**1. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies, 1B/OF)**
At the top of Judge’s list is veteran slugger **Bryce Harper**, a fellow two-time MVP with a wealth of experience across high-pressure situations. Judge noted that Harper is likely to bat ahead of him in the Team USA lineup, creating a perfect opportunity to observe his approach up close.
“Harper is a guy who’s been in the league for so long and had success with multiple teams, multiple situations,” Judge told reporters, including the New York Daily News. “He’s definitely at the top of my list. I think he’s gonna be hitting in front of me, so it’ll be good to kind of pick his brain about what he looks for and what he tries to do.”
Harper’s plate discipline, ability to handle elite pitching, and veteran savvy make him an ideal mentor for Judge, who already dominates but is always seeking edges in preparation and mindset. With Harper’s history of thriving in big moments—including clutch postseason performances—Judge sees this as a rare chance to absorb lessons from one of the game’s premier hitters.
**2. Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins, CF)**
Judge’s second pick is dynamic center fielder **Byron Buxton**, known for his elite athleticism, speed, and defensive instincts. Despite injury challenges throughout his career, Buxton remains one of baseball’s most explosive talents when healthy, blending power, range, and baserunning prowess.
Judge drew parallels to his own outfield development, mentioning how he benefits from picking the brain of Yankees teammate Trent Grisham on defensive reads, training routines, and tracking fly balls. He anticipates a similar dynamic with Buxton during Team USA practices and games.
“Those center fielders like Buxton… picking their brain about what they look for, what they try to train, what they do—that helps a ton,” Judge explained. Buxton’s ability to cover vast ground in center and turn defense into offense aligns with areas where Judge, primarily a right fielder, continues to refine his own skills.
**3. Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs, CF)**
Rounding out the trio is rising star **Pete Crow-Armstrong**, the Cubs’ speedy and instinctive young center fielder. Crow-Armstrong has quickly established himself as one of the game’s top defensive outfielders, with plus-plus range, arm strength, and baserunning speed that could make him a future Gold Glove regular.
Judge praised the young player’s defensive prowess and athletic profile, seeing value in studying how Crow-Armstrong anticipates plays and uses his tools to impact games beyond the plate. In a tournament featuring elite international talent, Judge views Crow-Armstrong’s outfield instincts as complementary to his own power-focused game.
“Guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong… their speed, their instincts in the outfield—it’s something I want to watch closely,” Judge said in discussions around camp. The inclusion of a younger player underscores Judge’s commitment to continuous improvement, even as one of baseball’s most accomplished stars.
Judge’s selections reflect a balanced curiosity: Harper for hitting mastery and veteran wisdom, Buxton for proven explosiveness and recovery from adversity, and Crow-Armstrong for emerging elite defense and athleticism. As captain, Judge stressed building team chemistry early, planning group gatherings to foster bonds among the roster’s mix of MVPs, Cy Young winners, and young standouts.
With Team USA’s opener set for March 6 and a roster boasting talents like Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and returning 2023 alumni, expectations are sky-high. Judge, who smashed two home runs in his spring debut while expressing excitement for both the WBC and the Yankees season, sees the tournament as more than a competition—it’s a learning lab.
“I’m excited about the WBC… it’s going to be special,” Judge said. For a player who has already rewritten record books, the willingness to learn from peers highlights why he’s revered as “Captain America.”
As the tournament nears, fans worldwide will watch to see if Judge’s leadership—and the insights he gains—propel Team USA to gold. In the process, the Yankees captain may emerge even stronger for the 2026 season.
