Aaron Judge, widely regarded as one of baseball’s greatest hitters with seven All-Star appearances and three AL MVP titles, revealed a motivational message he received from eight-time All-Star Bryce Harper. On a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Judge described how Harper’s encouragement gave him chills just before a crucial game at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox.
Judge recalled Harper’s words:
“I was talking to Harper before the postseason this last year,”
Judge said.
“He texted me, he was like, ‘Hey, the one thing I tell myself every postseason, every big game, it’s like, own the moment, don’t let the moment own you.’ There’s so much unknown.”
He added,
“You don’t know what’s going to happen. Like, own the moment. Big spot, nobody’s on, who cares? Go out there and own it. It gave me chills. I was sitting there, before I walked up the steps at Yankee Stadium, about to play the Red Sox. Before I went out there, I was like, ‘Hey, own the moment.’”
From Rivals to Teammates: Harper Praises Judge’s Leadership as They Prepare for Team USA
Though Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper often face off as top contenders in the MLB postseason, the two will unite under the same banner this year. Both stars are set to play together for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, starting their campaign against Brazil on March 6. Harper appeared later on the Pat McAfee Show, expressing admiration for Judge’s role as captain and his excitement about joining forces.
Harper stated,
“Judgey, just the way he kind of approaches it, obviously he plays in such a big market in New York. He’s got to be that guy, that’s what it is,”
and continued,
“There’s nobody else I’d rather be wearing the captaincy on his chest than Judgey. I’m excited to play with him, I’ve been excited to play with him the whole time.”
Looking Ahead: Leadership and Unity as Team USA Targets World Baseball Classic Glory
Judge and Harper’s collaboration adds a new dynamic to Team USA, which finished runner-up to Shohei Ohtani’s Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. As American fans watch closely, the pairing of these two iconic players brings hope and determination to the squad’s quest for international success. Their leadership will be vital in guiding the team through intense competition and unpredictable moments throughout the tournament.
"Own the moment, don't let the moment own you."
Aaron Judge says he got chills from this motivational text Bryce Harper sent him 🔥
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/00e51VyEoO
— ESPN (@espn) March 2, 2026
Bryce Harper was asked who the glue guys are in Team USA’s World Baseball Classic clubhouse
“There’s nobody else I’d rather be wearing the captaincy on his chest than Judgey. I’ve been excited to play with him the whole time.” pic.twitter.com/XQYYvsAuv2
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 2, 2026
