The World Baseball Classic continues to gain momentum, and it’s not just the fans who are buying in-players, coaches, and even MLB front offices are increasingly on board with what the WBC brings to the table. Count New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone among those who see the tournament as a rising force in the sport.
“I like it,” Boone said during a Monday appearance on WFAN Sports Radio in New York. “I think you're starting to see from the U.S. side that guys don't want to miss out on this. It's at that point of popularity.”
That’s a telling quote from a manager who’s seen just about everything the game has to offer. Boone, now entering his ninth season at the helm in the Bronx, knows the stakes of a long MLB season. He also knows what it means for players to wear their country’s colors on an international stage.
And this year, Boone’s Yankees are well-represented. Aaron Judge, the face of the franchise and team captain, is suiting up for Team USA.
But he’s not alone. David Bednar, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Amed Rosario, and Camilo Doval are also among the Yankees participating in this year’s Classic.
That’s where things get a little complicated for Boone.
“We have like, seven, eight, nine guys in it, which is like damn!” Boone said, half-laughing, half-wincing.
That’s a lot of talent-and a lot of bodies-to keep tabs on during what’s supposed to be a time for ramping up, not going full throttle. Pitchers, in particular, are always a concern this time of year, and Boone didn’t shy away from acknowledging that.
“Let’s get through it, especially the pitchers,” he added, underscoring the tightrope MLB managers walk during WBC years: supporting their players’ passion while quietly hoping everyone comes back healthy.
Still, even with the understandable nerves about injuries and workload, Boone circled back to his original point-he’s a fan of the WBC. The energy, the pride, the global spotlight-it’s all helping to grow the game. And when you’ve got stars like Judge opting in, it’s clear the tournament has carved out a meaningful place on the baseball calendar.
For Boone and the Yankees, the hope is simple: enjoy the ride, represent well, and return ready for the grind of a 162-game season. But make no mistake-this isn’t just an exhibition anymore.
The WBC is becoming a must-play, must-watch event. And the game is better for it.