The baseball universe got up on Wednesday with some massive news: the New York Yankees agreed to re-sign AL MVP Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million contract that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
For a time on Tuesday, it seemed like Judge was leaning towards signing with the San Francisco Giants.
The San Diego Padres were also in the mix at the very last minute with an incredible offer:
The primary reason why Aaron Judge flew to San Diego on Tuesday was to meet with the San Diego #Padres.
They offered him $400 million over 10 years.
Judge stays put in New York for $360 million over nine years.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 7, 2022
The Giants offer was also believed to be better than the Yankees’.
In the end, Judge sacrificed money and a lengthier commitment to return to the Yankees.
People in New York are ecstatic about it.
Aaron Judge is a New York Yankee.
He is your next captain.
The Yankees are the Yankees.LETS GOOOO BAYBAYYYYY pic.twitter.com/jG6IXS4vmY
— Talkin’ Jake (@TalkinJake) December 7, 2022
And Judge, of course, is now a very, very rich man.
Good for Aaron Judge, who can celebrate his 1-year wedding anniversary next week in Hawaii by buying Hawaii.
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 7, 2022
This contract is the result of a talented player betting on himself to have a great season and increasing his earnings with a better payday.
The Yanks offered him $213.5 million over seven years before the 2022 season, and he opted to wait until free agency.
A Life-Changing Decision For Judge
That decision changed his life, as he earned almost $150 additional million.
It was well-deserved, after he slashed .311/.425/.686 with 62 homers, the MVP award, and a new American League record in round-trippers.
Fans begged him to stay, and after a long process, he made sure to stick around for the long haul.
I’m so excited! My favorite guy!
Congratulations @TheJudge44 and @Yankees 💙💙💙💙💙— PaTresha I 💚Christmas 🎄🎅🏻💙🇺🇦PresidentJoe💙 (@PaTresha10) December 7, 2022
Genuinely happy that my 2 year old son gets to grow up watching Aaron Judge in Pinstripes
— sad yankees fan (@yankeesvision) December 7, 2022
Now that they have re-signed Judge, the Yankees can focus on actually improving the roster they fielded in the American League Championship Series.
They were swept by the Houston Astros there, so they really need to bring in some reinforcements.
Will they have enough resources left?
Will they be willing to use them?
It will be fascinating to find out.
NEXT: Aaron Judge Earned A Fortune By Betting On Himself