{"id":602897,"date":"2026-03-03T04:08:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T04:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/602897\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T04:08:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T04:08:38","slug":"aaron-judge-sends-passionate-message-to-team-usa-ahead-of-wbc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/602897\/","title":{"rendered":"Aaron Judge Sends Passionate Message to Team USA Ahead of WBC"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Aaron\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

(Photo by Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The World Baseball Classic is less than a week away, with the USA getting some exhibition games underway on Tuesday and Wednesday. The USA\u2019s first game of the tournament is on Friday, March 6, against Brazil in Houston, Texas.<\/p>\n

This international event is one of the best global tournaments in sports, and the best players in MLB<\/a> answer the call to step up and put the country\u2019s pride on the line. That includes New York Yankees<\/a>\u2018 star outfielder and USA captain, Aaron Judge.<\/p>\n

On Monday, Judge sent a meaningful mention to the group of USA players, which includes names like Bryce Harper, Paul Skenes, Kyle Schwarber, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr, and many, many more talented big leaguers.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Report: Tarik Skubal to Throw Just 55 Pitches in WBC for Team USA<\/a><\/p>\n

Aaron Judge\u2019s Message to Team USA Roster
\n\"Aaron<\/p>\n

GettyAaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees<\/p>\n

In what looks like a speech to the full cast of USA players, Aaron Judge<\/a> shares this message with the group:<\/p>\n

\u201cSacrifice for your family at home. You\u2019re sacrificing for your country. And you\u2019re sacrificing for the brothers in the trenches with you every single day, and that\u2019s what they all want us to do, fellas. We\u2019re down, we\u2019re beat up a little bit. You know, lean into each other, man. We\u2019re going to lay it all on the line. If we do that, we\u2019re bringing the gold home, I\u2019m telling you that. \u201d<\/p>\n

Watch over that clip; it looks like part of it, right in the middle, is cut up, which is likely a great soundbite that had to be cut out, but either way, it\u2019s good to have your captain be one of the consensus best hitters on the planet.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Wild Trade Pitch Between Dodgers-Twins Features Nine Total Players and Two All-Stars<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Team USA WBC News<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, it was announced that Joe Ryan<\/a> would miss out on pitching in the tournament. His replacement is Ryan Yarborough.<\/p>\n

Tarik Skubal throwing just 55 pitches in one game is significant, as it gives a clearer outlook to the team\u2019s starting rotation. Logan Webb<\/a> will pitch the first game vs. Brazil.<\/p>\n

Then, Skubal will get his one start against Great Britain, and Paul Skenes will pitch vs. Mexico. Mexico beat Team USA last WBC, so manager Mark DeRosa<\/a> is deploying his top arm in the most important pool play game.<\/p>\n

After Skenes, Nolan McLean<\/a> will likely go against Italy. The knockout stages of the tournament begin on March 13. If Team USA were to advance to the final, that game is on the 17th of March.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Drake Baldwin Makes Strong Claim About Hitting Off Braves\u2019 Top Prospect<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Yankees\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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