Aaron Judge is adding another captaincy to his résumé.

The reigning American League MVP will serve as Team USA captain in next year’s World Baseball Classic, he announced Monday.

Aaron Judge did not participate in the previous World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2023. It took place during the first spring training after he signed his nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the Yankees. This was also the time when he was named the team’s first captain since Derek Jeter.

Reflecting on missing the event, Judge expressed his feelings on watching Team USA compete from home, stating, “It wasn’t the best. I wanted to be there, but it was during free agency.”

He’s since won another MVP and had no hesitation this time around, calling it “a special honor.”

Despite missing out previously, Judge now looks forward to the opportunity of representing the United States with pride. He emphasized, “Having Team USA across my chest is a great opportunity. I never had this chance before, even while growing up as a kid.”

Mike Trout served as Team USA captain in the previous WBC.