Aaron Judge attempted to fire up Team USA on Monday as it gets ready for the start of the World Baseball Classic this week.
The Yankees outfielder — donning a red, white and blue uniform — got up in front of America’s roster full of All-Stars and delivered a speech that was all about sacrifice and being there for one another.
“We’re going to lay it all on the line,” he said. “If we do that, we’re bringing the gold home, man. I’m telling you.”
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Team USA will kick off its quest to win the WBC on Tuesday, when it plays in an exhibition matchup against the Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz. It will have one more tuneup in the desert on Wednesday against the Rockies.
The Stars and Stripes squad will then fly to Houston for its tournament-opening game against Brazil. Tilts with Great Britain, Mexico and Italy will then follow in the ensuing days.
America is loaded with talent — in addition to Judge, Cal Raleigh, Will Smith, Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., Kyle Schwarber and more will be available for manager Mark DeRosa.
On the mound, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb, Clayton Kershaw and a host of others have each signed up to pitch for America.
The last time USA participated in the WBC was in 2023, when it fell to Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan in the championship.
