2026 World Baseball Classic: Team USA captain, Judge, along with Skenes and Skubal were recognized at New York Baseball Writers’ Gala

(Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes in New York, Facebook)

By: Cristopher Avello

Aaron Judge in 2015 said “I am just trying to go out there and be the best Aaron I can be.” 10 years later, those Aaron’s are paying off.

The 101st Annual New York Baseball Writer’s Gala presented Aaron Judge with his third MVP award of his career, joining Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Joe DiMaggio as the four only players to achieve the milestone while dawning pinstripes, and just the third player to pair a batting title (.331) with at least 50 HRs (53); since Jimmie Foxx (1938) and Mickey Mantle (1956).

The Yankees superstar was joined by his wife Samantha and his former teammate Anthony Rizzo last weekend according to the New York Post, as he also confidently accepted his “Toast of the Town” award from the New York chapter, in a season that began on pace to break his AL single-season home run record, before being impacted by a flexor strain in his right elbow for much of the second half, and then saw him lead the Major Leagues in on-base percentage(.457), slugging percentage (.688), OPS (1.145), runs (137), walks (124), and extra-base hits (85). 

Judge thanked the beat writers, and said, “I’ve never been around so many great players, even to see the rookie of the year’s. I hope to see this group of award winners a couple more times. I like to thank my wife Samantha, for all the love and support, you’re my hitting coach when I need you and my therapist when I need you.”

Judge edged out Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh by three votes 17-14. Raleigh was named Outstanding American League Player and awarded Player of the Year honors by the players. Just as important, Raleigh will join Judge on Team USA at the WBC in March.

Another pair of Team USA members that received awards alongside Judge at the gala were Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The two are part of a young wave of pitchers formed by Team USA Coach, Mike DeRosa, for the sixth WBC.

Pirates pitcher, Skenes, led the MLB with a 1.97 ERA and became just the third pitcher to win Rookie of the Year and CY Young honors within the first two seasons. Skenes, a No. 1 overall selection from 2023, comes from a strong military background, and is excited to put USA across his chest in front of every serviceman and servicewoman out there. 

Skenes said, “To my family, thank you for being my foundation. Growing up, baseball was the only thing I was passionate about. To my teammates, thank you, my goal is to make you better the same way you make me better.”

Skubal won his second consecutive CY Young Award in just his sixth season for the Tigers. He was dominant in 2025, leading the AL in ERA (2.21) and WHIP (0.89), while tossing 195.1 innings and sitting down 241 for the ALWild Card Tigers. Skubal finished with a 13-6 record.

Skubal said, “First off, I’d like to express what a privilege it is to share the stage with the caliber players here tonight. I’m humble to be part of this group, and I know the greatness of everyone up here, pushes me to be the best version that I am. I want to thank the writers for selecting me for this prestigious award, it’s an honor to be back here, and it’s an honor I will never take for granted.”

With Judge, Skenes and Skubal leading the charge for Team USA, the team’s core should ignite confidence in fans as Team USA will have what it takes to get back on top.