Yankees grapple with WBC wave sweeping Bronx players, rookies, coaches

NEW YORK – Spring training begins in just two weeks. But several Yankees will spend the early portion of camp somewhere else.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off March 5. At least 10 members of the Yankees organization have committed to represent their countries in the international tournament. That list includes the reigning American League MVP, the team’s closer, starting second baseman and starting catcher.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed mixed feelings about the situation during a recent appearance on the YES Network.

“Any time you’re playing high-stakes baseball that early in the year, there’s a little bit of concern,” Boone said. “But it’s also become a big part of our sport and you understand that.”

Judge leads Team USA contingent as captain

Right fielder Aaron Judge carries the biggest profile among Yankees participants. The three-time AL MVP will captain Team USA. He accepted the role last April and has been preparing throughout the offseason.

Judge dealt with a flexor strain in his right elbow late last season. The injury limited his throwing for weeks and forced him to designated hitter duties at times. But Boone offered an encouraging update on his captain’s health.

“He has ramped up his throwing program a little bit more because he’s getting ready for the WBC, so he’s ahead of the game more so than he even normally is from a throwing standpoint,” Boone said. “But I know it’s going really well for him. He feels ready to go right away in camp.”

Closer David Bednar joins Judge on the Team USA roster. The right-hander emerged as a rock after arriving from the Pirates at the 2025 trade deadline. He recorded a 2.30 ERA with 27 saves between Pittsburgh and New York. Yankees legend Andy Pettitte will serve as Team USA’s pitching coach.

Multiple countries claim Yankees players and prospects

The roster drain extends beyond Team USA. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. will suit up for Great Britain. The Bahamian is eligible through the British Commonwealth. Chisholm first played for the Brits in the 2016 WBC qualifiers when he was just 18 years old.

He is coming off a career season. Chisholm smashed 31 home runs with 31 stolen bases in 2025. That performance earned him a second All-Star selection and his first Silver Slugger Award.

Catcher Austin Wells made a surprising decision. The 23-year-old elected to play for the Dominican Republic through his mother’s heritage. Wells hit 21 home runs with 71 RBI in 2025. He will catch alongside Yainer Diaz for Team DR.

Reliever Camilo Doval also joins the Dominican squad. The right-hander was an All-Star in 2023 with the Giants before coming to the Yankees at last year’s trade deadline. Utilityman Amed Rosario rounds out the Yankees’ Dominican contingent.

Yankees players committed to 2026 World Baseball Classic

Prospect Elmer Rodriguez earns Puerto Rico roster spot

The Yankees’ No. 3 prospect will pitch on an international stage before he ever throws in the majors. Right-hander Elmer Rodriguez was named to Puerto Rico’s roster for the tournament.

Rodriguez, 22, posted a 2.58 ERA over 150 innings across three minor league levels in 2025. His 176 strikeouts ranked second most in all of Minor League Baseball. The hard-throwing righty features a four-pitch mix headlined by a high-90s fastball.

“Representing my country in the Classic will be an unforgettable honor and a dream come true,” Rodriguez said. “A responsibility I will take on with humility, pride, and the commitment to always give my very best.”

Reliever Fernando Cruz has also received permission to pitch for Puerto Rico. He posted a 3.56 ERA in 49 appearances last season.

Injury concerns loom over WBC participants

The WBC has a history of injuries that haunted teams throughout the regular season. Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2023 tournament. Astros star Jose Altuve broke his hand after getting hit by a pitch.

The Yankees cannot afford similar misfortune. They will enter the regular season without their MVP, top two relievers, starting second baseman and starting catcher if those players advance deep into the tournament.

“Life happens, sports happen, injuries happen,” Boone said. “I hope we avoid it all, but there are no guarantees.”

Boone remains supportive despite the risks. He called Judge captaining Team USA “the right thing” and noted the tournament’s importance to baseball globally.

“I’m actually excited for Aaron, and that’s not politically correct,” Boone said. “I’m excited for him because I know he didn’t do it the last time because he was named captain and all that was starting up.”

Tournament creates opportunities for young players

The absences will create playing time for prospects and fringe roster players. Names at the backend of the 40-man roster and non-roster invitees will get extended looks in camp.

Outfielder Cody Bellinger said he is unlikely to play for Team USA after signing his new deal with the Yankees. Left-hander Max Fried previously turned down an invite as well. Both will remain in Tampa for the full spring training schedule.

The WBC runs from March 5 to March 17. Team USA will play its pool games in Houston starting March 6 against Brazil. Great Britain opens against Mexico the same day. The Dominican Republic begins play in Miami on March 8.

The length of each player’s absence depends on how far their country advances. The championship game takes place March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Yankees open the regular season March 25 against the Giants.

“I think a player of his magnitude and his caliber, and as popular as we’ve seen this tournament become,” Boone said of Judge. “I’m excited for him to play in that environment and hopefully it’s only a few weeks and then we get him back.”

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