Giancarlo Stanton backs Aaron Judge's decision to take it easy this spring after his historic 2022 campaign

The World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, and the international baseball fraternity is already buzzing. However, Aaron Judge will be conspicuous by his absence.

Defending champions and tournament favorites, Team USA, have come in with multiple superstars in their arsenal: Mike Trout, J.T. Realmuto, Pete Alonso and Nolan Arenado, to name a few. Judge is not among them, though.

"Team USA now has their starting lineup set for the WBC" - Baseball Bros, Twitter

The elephant in the room is "why not Aaron Judge?" Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees' designated hitter, and Judge's teammate, cited the latter's taxing historic MLB season and wild offseason as probable causes for his absence.

"He had a wild offseason, a wild year," Stanton said of Judge. "As successful as it was, it does take a toll on you too. Having a chill, relaxing spring, making sure you get everything right for the long year is just as important, too."

Stanton, too, has decided not to return to the fold this WBC, having played in the previous edition in 2017. Taking some time off this spring might just not be such a bad idea for the pair as they aim to push a serious title charge next season.

Judge echoed those opinions when speaking to FOX Sports, saying that while it would be a huge honor to represent his country, his ultimate goal at the moment is to bring a championship back to New York. His priorities are clear, and it's the New York Yankees.

"It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," Judge told FOX Sports. "But my main goal is what I can do here in New York and what I can do to bring a championship back here. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play. But right now for me, my focus is here."

"Aaron Judge has his mind solely on that World Series championship" - Talkin' Yanks, Twitter

All that's left to be seen now is how well the New York Yankees do next season, and for that, only time will tell.

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Aaron Judge the leader and face of New York Yankees

Aaron Judge became the captain of the New York Yankees after he committed the next nine years of his baseball career to them earlier this offseason. In return, the Yankees promoted him to the title of team captain.

For Judge to be handed the prestigious honor after closing a record contract was the icing on the cake.

"The Yankees have named Aaron Judge the 16th Captain in franchise history." - New York Yankees, Twitter

Judge became only the 16th captain in the club's history. Famous captains include Derek Jeter (2003-2014), Don Mattingly (1991-1995), Ron Guidry (1986-1988), Lou Gehrig (1935-1939) and George Herman 'Babe' Ruth (1922).

A proven leader for teammates, coaches and the Yankees organization, Aaron Judge embarks on a long, hard, yet rewarding journey.