Judge gets WBC nickname nod from Mets legend: “He’s hitting .900!”

Aaron Judge’s red-hot start to the 2025 Major League Baseball season just got another stamp of approval – this time from a former national icon. After being announced as Team USA’s captain for the upcoming World Baseball Classic on April 14, the New York Yankees star was officially endorsed this week by David Wright as the new ‘Captain America’.

Judge for USA

Wright, 42, who made his name with the New York Mets, reached the peak of his playing career as the face of the U.S. team during the 2013 WBC. His performance earned him the ‘Captain America’ nickname – one that’s now being passed on. Speaking as a special advisor for the Mets’ front office, Wright praised Judge’s brilliance at the plate.

When asked how he felt about the nickname being used for Judge, Wright joked: “Well, the guy’s hitting like .900 with 100 home runs through April, so I’ve got no problem with it. I mean, I wish I could’ve hit like that. You know, it’s pretty cool.” Though his numbers were exaggerated for effect, Judge is currently hitting .414 with 14 home runs, a .500 OBP, .783 slugging percentage, and 1.283 OPS – figures that make the case for the crown.

Wright also reacted positively to the news that pitcher Paul Skenes would be suiting up for the U.S. in the tournament. “Did I read that Skenes was one of the guys picked? That’s really great – not only are they getting those elite hitters, which I think has always been a little easier for Team USA, but now they’re getting those top-tier dominant starters, too.”

“I think that’s good for baseball. I think it’s good for Team USA. I think it’s good for the World Baseball Classic,” he added. “And, you know, from my side, I’ve been a fan of the WBC since day one. So I think it’s great for the game.”

The United States fell short in 2013, but with Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes leading the charge in 2026, the team has every reason to believe it can go all the way.

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