The biggest question of baseball’s offseason has been answered. The reigning American League MVP and face of baseball, Aaron Judge, will remain in pinstripes after signing a massive nine-year, $360 million contract. MLB Network first reported that Judge would re-sign with the New York Yankees, while The Athletic first reported the terms of the agreement.
After turning down a shorter extension offer for only $213.5 million prior to the 2022 season, Judge recorded one of the best seasons in baseball history as he headed into free agency. He broke Roger Maris’ American League-record for home runs by bashing 62, leading baseball. Judge’s 121 RBIs led the American League as well while hitting .311/.425/.686. Turning down that extension is arguably going to be one of the best contract decisions in baseball history. A lot of people speculated Judge’s decision to decline the extension and test free agency, but it ended up working out in his favor as his MVP season has made him one of the most lucrative baseball players of all time, only behind Mike Trout and Mookie Betts for largest deal in terms of total dollars.
This is going to keep the irritable Yankees’ fan base, who have been chasing their first World Series ring 2009, content for the time being as Judge is a fan favorite. The team’s owner Hal Steinbrenner said that his goal was to make Aaron Judge a Yankee for life. Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman said the team’s priority in free agency was keeping Judge. The front office got it done for the Yanks.
“We’d love to have our player back,” Cashman said Monday. “We would love to continue to call him our player every step of the way as he follows what looks like — as long as nothing happens — a career path that will lead him to Cooperstown. I would like him to be in pinstripes every step of the way.”
Judge was deciding between staying with the New York Yankees or going the San Diego Padres or San Francisco Giants on the West coast.The 30-year-old outfielder, who was born in Linden, California, attended Linden High School and later Fresno State before being drafted by the Yankees with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft. His connection to California prolonged his decision and made it more difficult for him. In the end, Judge decided to stay in the Bronx and continue pursuing a championship with the Yankees through the 2031 season.
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