Now that the New York Yankees have retained the reigning American League MVP in Aaron Judge, the team has some even bigger plans in place for the slugger.
The 30-year-old returns to the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million deal.
Judge hit 62 home runs and broke Roger Maris‘ all-time record for most home runs in a single season by an American League player.
Though Judge has struggled in the past with injuries, the AL MVP rewarded Yankees fans for their faith in him.
Now, the Yankees are prepared to give Judge an even greater honor, potentially bestowing upon him the title of team captain.
Ken Rosenthal reports in his Judge article that he will be named Yankees captain. Expected, of course, but awesome news nonetheless
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) December 7, 2022
Judge Set To Become Team Captain
This title is obviously not something to take lightly.
Not since Derek Jeter have the Yankees had a team captain.
So naturally, Judge is earning a sacred title that was previously held by a Yankees legend and Hall-of-Famer.
The slugger certainly has earned the title with his leadership and his production, so perhaps it’s fitting that the 30-year-old inherits the honor.
The Yankees won 99 games and claimed the American League East division title in 2022, thanks in large part to Judge’s heroics.
The AL MVP helped carry the Yankees through a difficult second half in which they almost completely squandered a 15.5-game lead in the division.
But as Judge chased history, the Yankees remained at the top.
Now, Judge not only has a chance to defend his AL MVP crown, but also to shoulder the honor of being named the team captain.
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