The New York Yankees signed a humongous extension contract with the 30-year-old slugger Aaron Judge. The slugger agreed on a nine-year contract worth $360 million. After being uncertain initially, Aaron gave in at the last minute owing to an intervention from Hal Steinbrenner. Apparently, Judge’s contract was increased from $320 to $360 million in a bid to keep him afloat on the roster.
Furthermore, a day after the contract announcement, the Yankees, in the presence of the entire front office, announced Aaron Judge as the 16th captain of the club. The club said Aaron would lead the Yankees from the next season onward. FYI, Aaron will be the first one after Derek Jeter to hold this prestigious position. Meanwhile, as the off-season is coming to an end, Aaron Judge is off to fulfill his captaincy duties.
Aaron Judge Spotted At Yankees Base In Tampa
The 2023 MLB season is just days away. Before the opening day, the spring training will begin around mid-February. Moreover, the New York Yankees are set after a successful off-season. Meanwhile, ahead of the spring training, the Yankee skipper, Aaron Judge, paid a visit to the Yank’s base camp situated in Tampa Bay, Florida. A few pictures are doing rounds on social media featuring Aaron posing with a couple of young guys.
Well, it turns out Aaron Judge, after his training session, went ahead to greet the newest international prospects of the Yankees. Aaron met Felix Neguéis and Osiel Rodriguez at Tampa Bay and welcomed them into the club. Felix and Rodriguez are young guys who debuted in pro baseball just a couple of years back and are basically rookies. Even then, Judge obliged them and greeted them personally.
The Captain doing captainly things in Tampa 🫡
— John Brophy (@jbrophybaseball) January 16, 2023
Aaron Judge is seen with OF Felix Neguéis and RHP Osiel Rodriguez
Photos via their respective IG accounts. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/NE6T3YyGSA
Aaron Stays With The Yankees After Nearly Signing With The Giants
At the start of the 2023 off-season, trade rumors surrounding Aaron Judge were at their peak. Several media agencies reported that Aaron is not happy with the team constantly choking in the ALCS. After a heartbreaking loss against Houston Astros in 2022, Judge remained adamant on the fact that he wanted out and joined a team wherein he could win a championship title. Moreover, the slugger held talks with the San Francisco Giants and nearly closed the deal.
However, the Bronx Bombers could not afford to lose the only silver lining of their roster. They made all possible attempts to make the slugger stay. However, just when all the doors closed in, the Yankees owner, Hal Steinbrenner, stepped in and held one-on-one talks with Aaron. He promised Aaron to fulfill all his needs and even agreed to a raise. Subsequently, the slugger’s remuneration was increased to $360 million, making it the highest being offered to a player in the history of MLB. After weeks-long drama, Aaron Judge signed a nine-year contract with the New York Yankees.