As MLB’s offseason rolls on, two major names—Juan Soto and Aaron Judge—are back in the spotlight. This time, however, it’s not for their performances in Yankees pinstripes, but for what could be an exciting international rivalry in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Juan Soto has officially declared his intention to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC. Rather than waiting for an invite, he proactively made himself available to represent his country. This announcement, first reported by Dominican outlet Periódico Hoy and later confirmed by Talkin’ Baseball, was met with instant excitement across the league.
The buzz isn’t just about Soto’s patriotism—it’s about a potential clash with his former Yankees teammate. Aaron Judge, expected to captain Team USA, might face off against Soto on the world stage. The two had a dynamic partnership during the 2024 MLB season, electrifying the Yankees’ lineup with their power-hitting. Soto’s 41 home runs and 109 RBIs over 157 games helped him earn a Silver Slugger Award, complementing Judge’s leadership and offensive firepower.
Though Soto now plays for the Mets, the mutual respect and chemistry between the two sluggers remain strong. If both take the field for their respective nations in 2026, fans could witness an emotional and thrilling reunion—this time as opponents.
While Team USA hasn’t finalized its roster, the idea of Judge vs. Soto adds intrigue to a tournament already loaded with star power. What began as a short-lived Yankees duo might soon become a high-stakes rivalry on the international stage.