TIME magazine is one of the most famous publications not only in America, but in the world.
It has been published since 1923 on a weekly basis, although since 2020, it is issued every other week.
Given its fame and recognition, TIME’s Athlete of the Year recognition is as prestigious as they come.
The publication revealed the winner of the 2022 Athlete of the Year award, and it can’t be any person other than now-former New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.
TIME's 2022 Athlete of the Year: Aaron Judge. pic.twitter.com/4iLZh7QZ53
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 6, 2022
Judge single-handedly led the Yankees to the postseason, after the rest of the team virtually forgot how to hit in the second half.
The Yanks were 64-28 in the first half, but they were fairly mediocre after the break.
Judge Carried The Yankees In The Second Half
If it weren’t for Judge, they might have lost their once-huge division lead.
The All-Star outfielder, who is currently a free agent and about to make a decision about his future, slashed .311/.425/.686 with 62 home runs (a new American League record), 133 runs scored, 131 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.
He wasn’t as good in the playoffs, but did manage to hit two home runs anyway.
Judge famously rejected a $213.5 million extension before the season, betting on himself to have a great season and earning more in free agency.
Now, the starting point for his new contract is believed to be $300 million.
He is that good.
The 30-year-old will change the fate of the franchise that gets him and force his other suitors to pivot to other alternatives.
He is the kind of talent who can be the face of baseball: people love home runs, and they love Aaron Judge.
The Yankees and the San Francisco Giants are believed to be the favorites to land him.
NEXT: Aaron Judge Raises Eyebrows With Latest Public Appearance