Why Is 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge Not Taking Part in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Team USA?

The World Baseball Classic is right around the corner and is set to start in March. Many MLB stars are participating but one of MLB’s biggest names will miss out on the international baseball tournament. Yes! The New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is set to give the Classic a miss this time around.

Following his impressive 2022 AL MVP-winning season, fans were expecting the star right fielder to suit up for Team USA. But unfortunately for baseball fans, Judge has not been named as a part of Team USA’s squad. Furthermore, the Yankee star has not even been in rumors to participate in the lead-up to the tournament. It has left many wondering why Judge is not participating.

Aaron Judge is most likely trying to avoid injury

Although there is no official statement from Aaron Judge or the New York Yankees, this is the most reasonable conclusion. The Yankee star has had his health issues over the years and would have wanted to avoid getting hurt. Furthermore, it is likely that he made the decision together with the Yankees. As Yanks Go Yard very astutely noted, “The Yankees are being judicious this offseason in determining who can and cannot compete for their country”.

This may have applied to Judge as well, given that he recently signed a long-term contract with the team. The Yankees didn’t allow one of their star pitchers to participate due to his injury history, forcing him to pull out. Getting back to Judge, he may have pulled out because he wanted to maintain his regular off-season routine. Furthermore, it makes sense for Judge to rest now ahead of the taxing 162-game 2023 MLB season. 

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But even without Judge, Team USA has Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts to play in the right field. Many fans would have wanted to see the Yankee star suit up for his country. But the American team is not short of star power and has a good chance of winning.

Team USA has a great chance of winning even without Judge

Although some may believe that Team USA is doomed without Judge, that is simply not the case. The United States has a roster filled with bonafide stars. Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Mookie Betts, and Trea Turner are some of the bigger names that will be playing. Furthermore, Bryce Harper is part of the squad but is recovering from surgery and will probably serve as a cheerleader.

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Most betting sites and polls have Team USA as one of the favorites to win the whole tournament. It will be interesting to see how the tournament turns out and who wins. Who do you think will win the World Baseball Classic in March? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!