TAMPA, Fla. - Aaron Judge has had a taste of the World Baseball Classic, and he's hungry for more. The Yankees' slugger is eyeing future international competitions, like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or the next WBC, which could hit the calendar in 2029 or 2030.
"Any chance I get," Judge said, expressing his eagerness to don the USA jersey again. "Olympics, WBC? Yeah."
There's a bit of a hurdle, though. MLB and the players' union are in talks about letting big-league players compete in the Olympics. With a potential lockout looming before the 2027 season, it's uncertain if they'll manage to tweak the 2028 MLB schedule to fit in the six-team Olympic tournament slated for July.
But WBC and other international events are close to Commissioner Rob Manfred’s heart. Given the buzz and record TV ratings from this year’s WBC, everything's on the table for future negotiations.
Manfred shared his optimism: "We've got commitments with Fox for the All-Star Game through '28, but as the game evolves, we're looking at midseason tournaments. If we get serious, this could be a great opportunity. I remain optimistic about having big-leaguers in the Olympics."
Judge is all in for moving the WBC to July. "If we can do it during the season, that'd be great," he said.
"With fewer restrictions, everyone’s built up, and we just play. It’d be better for the game."
Judge also stirred the pot with his comments on the WBC atmosphere, saying it was "bigger and better" than the 2024 World Series, where the Yankees fell to the Dodgers in five games.
"It's different with bands in the outfield and unique chants," he explained. "World Series games can be pricey, and passionate fans might miss out. But at the WBC, representing your country brings a different level of passion."
Addressing critiques about U.S. players' passion, Judge was candid. "I love how teams like Mexico and the Dominican Republic celebrate the game.
People say we lack passion, but mine started grinding in the cage as a kid. Just because it's not outward doesn't mean it’s not there."
Judge emphasized the joy and emotion in the clubhouse during the WBC. "Ask anyone; it was probably the most fun they've had.
We had passion, we showed emotion. I try to ignore the talk.
People have their opinions, but I can't change that."
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