Yankees Stars Depart for WBC: Boone Holds Breath

As the World Baseball Classic approaches, the Yankees are set to lose a substantial part of their projected Opening Day roster. Manager Aaron Boone expressed mixed feelings, excited for the players but wary of potential injuries during the tournament. Captain Aaron Judge, alongside other prominent teammates, has departed for their respective national team camps.

Key players leaving include the starting catcher, double-play combination, top relievers, and important bench bats. Judge, who is also taking on captaincy for Team USA, aims to fully embrace the experience of competing for his country. He has been looking forward to this event since last April, spearheading significant player commitments.

The Yankees anticipate that the high-stakes competition in early March could benefit their participating players, potentially carrying momentum into the regular season. General Manager Brian Cashman noted that having players sought after by other countries reflects the team's strong roster depth, while acknowledging the inherent risks of player participation.

While most players are leaving, some could return within 10 days, though others, including Judge, might be gone for over two weeks. This situation means they would return just a week before Opening Day, creating a somewhat unsettling feeling for the team as they watch their valuable players compete internationally.