Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Trout’s Three-Word Response to Aaron Judge as Team USA Captain Says It All

Captain America gets the stamp of approval from baseball royalty.

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Judge finally has the title to go with the reputation.

On Monday, the New York Yankees slugger was officially named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. While Aaron Judge has led the New York Yankees since 2023, and has always looked like a leader, this will mark his first time actually suiting up for the red, white, and blue.

Mark DeRosa shares Mike Trout's reaction to Aaron Judge becoming Captain of Team USA:

"He should be." https://t.co/hInblh16uq pic.twitter.com/sPFBo6U8vZ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 14, 2025

And stepping into the shoes of the man who wore the captain’s armband in 2023? None other than Mike Trout.

“Getting the chance to represent and be the captain is something that [Mike Trout] did last time and is a pretty special honor,” Judge said during the announcement on MLB Network. Mike Trout, who led Team USA to a runner-up finish against Japan in 2023, was informed about the captaincy change ahead of time by manager Mark DeRosa. His reaction to Judge getting the nod?

“He should be.”

Three simple words. But coming from a three-time MVP and arguably the best player of his generation, that endorsement landed like a stamp of approval from baseball royalty.

“That’s what it’s all about, the recognition from your peers,” Judge said with a smile. “Especially from Mike Trout, who’s the greatest player in the game and has been since I came into the league and before I came into the league. Hearing that from the best, I’m still hoping he’s on the team. He better be out there patrolling the outfield with me. I know we both play right field. That’s what it’s all about, just recognition from your peers.”

ALSO READ: Aaron Judge Takes Over as Team USA Captain, Sends Heartfelt Message to Mike Trout

Judge will now lead a squad hoping to go one better than their silver medal finish last time out. Team USA fell just short in 2023, with Trout striking out against Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani to seal the title for Japan. That image, two of the game’s greatest talents facing off on the world stage, became an instant classic. Now, with Judge onboard and leading the charge, the stars and stripes are aiming to flip the script in 2026.

The World Baseball Classic kicks off March 5, 2026. With Judge at the helm, and hopefully Trout still roaming the outfield, Team USA will once again chase gold with a superhero in charge.

Aaron Judge

Mike trout

World Baseball Classic

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.