Highly acclaimed MLB free agent Aaron Judge recently agreed to a nine-year contract worth $360 million with the New York Yankees.
Beginning his MLB career in 2016 with the New York Yankees, Judge quickly made headlines after his home run record-breaking rookie season. He currently holds the record for most home runs in a season by a rookie with 52 homers, as well as most home runs in a single season (62), a record that was previously held by Roger Maris. Given his sheer talent, he quickly became a fan favorite.
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However, after the athlete declared free agency prior to the 2022 season, many fans were worried that the historic player would not be continuing his career with New York. When Judge was named the 2022 Time Athlete of the Year, he mentioned his excitement over free agency, a sentiment that many fans felt jeopardized his future with the Yankees.
“When I was young and getting into the game, all guys ever talked about was, ‘Hey, wait until you become a free agent. You’re getting a chance to make your own decision, start a legacy somewhere, start something new somewhere,’ ” he said. “I’m looking forward to the whole process, man. It’s going to be special.”
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The basketball player, who stands at 6-foot-7, also discussed his rocky relationship with New York Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman. In the midst of his declared free agent, Cashman relayed to the public just how much he was offered, a move that was criticized by Judge.
“We kind of said, Hey, let’s keep this between us,” the 30-year-old athlete recalled. “I was a little upset that the numbers came out. I understand it’s a negotiation tactic. Put pressure on me. Turn the fans against me, turn the media on me. That part of it I didn’t like.”
Was Aaron Judge REALLY going to sing with the Giants?
What a night. Such a blessing from God to share that moment with so many special people! Thank you @RogerMarisJr, the Yankees, my teammates, my family and all the Yankee fans for such an incredible day! pic.twitter.com/soiC52sOth
As the 2023 season approaches, more and more teams took an interest in Judge. Teams such as the San Fransisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Diego Padres reportedly put bids on the outfielder, but to no avail. Sticking with his roots, the record-setter ultimately choose to stay with the Yankees after a whopping $360 million deal was brought to the negotiation table.
Judge even went on to recognize that his status as a Yankees fan favorite is essential to building a proper legacy. He shared the sentiments, “There’s just absolutely no doubt—our research supports this—that player continuity in a particular market is really important to building fandom in the game.”
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