Bryce Harper Gets Blunt About Yankees’ Aaron Judge Before WBC

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, and New York Yankees‘ Aaron Judge will be leading Team USA as they look to win the competition for the first time since 2017.

Judge will team up with some of the best players in MLB to help the U.S. win its second WBC, and one of his teammates will be Philadelphia Phillies‘ Bryce Harper. While speaking to the media on Feb. 15, Harper didn’t hold back the feeling of having Judge as a teammate.

“I’m into the feeling of putting USA on your chest and playing for something so much bigger than yourself, representing your whole country going in,” Harper told reporters (h/t OnPattison)

“There’s nothing greater. Having Aaron Judge hit behind me is going to be a lot of fun as well. That’s going to be really cool. I’m really excited to play with him and play with a lot of guys on that team.”

Moreover, along with having Judge as a teammate, Harper noted that he’s excited to feel like a young player representing the U.S. and playing against teammates who will be representing other countries.

“I think this is just something that is going to be really exciting,” Harper added. “I think being able to take a step back and act like you are 16, 17, or 18 years old again, playing with your buddies.

“It’s funny because a lot of the guys that I played with are playing for the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and all these teams. But I’m really excited. Again, I’m excited to play with a couple of certain individuals on that team. Really looking forward to it.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Excited to Play for Great Britain This WBC

Another Yankees player participating in the WBC is Jazz Chisholm Jr., who will represent Great Britain. On Feb. 15, Chisholm spoke with reporters and shared what he is most looking forward to in the tournament, an experience that will hit close to home for him.

“Trying to win,” Chisholm said (h/t SNY). “I get to play with my little brother, so that’s the best thing. I’ve been waiting for him to get to the big leagues for the last five years, but this would be better, right? Quick to get on a good, big stage and play up the middle with him a little bit. It’s going to be amazing. Can’t wait. You’re going to see basically two Jazzes on the field. Can’t wait.”

Yankees’ Aaron Boone Talks Players Participating in WBC

Moreover, Yankees manager Aaron Boone is excited for his players to represent their countries and elevate the prestige of the WBC. Nonetheless, Boone didn’t hide that he hopes that the players get through the tournament without any injuries.

“You’re starting to see now, from the U.S. side, guys don’t want to miss out on this,” Boone told WFAN on Feb. 2. “It’s at that point of popularity, maybe it’s at its peak. But we have seven, eight, nine guys in it… like, damn, let’s get through it. Especially the pitchers. But ultimately, [the WBC] is good for the game.”

Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo