Aaron Judge was the biggest name in free agency back in December 2022. And why would he not be? The California native had an epic season that year. He broke the American League Record for most home runs in a season. The previous record belonged to Roger Maris, who had slugged 61 home runs in 1961. Back then, Maris had broken the great Babe Ruth’s homer record. However, the AL Home Run record of Maris stayed at the top for many years until Judge broke it in 2022. As a result, the California native was able to beat Shohei Ohtani in the AL MVP race that year.
Subsequently, he raised the bar for his asking price in free agency with his incredible performance. Several teams showed interest in him, including the San Diego Padres & the San Francisco Giants. Anyway, it was the New York Yankees who finally sealed the deal. They did not let the superstar power-hitter go anywhere else. Eventually, Aaron Judge signed a nine-year contract extension worth $360 million with the Bronx Bombers. Lately, Judge revealed there was another team that surprised him with an offer.
How Division Rivals Tampa Bay Rays Surprised Aaron Judge?
Currently, Aaron Judge is in his second year of the nine year contract extension that he signed with the Yankees in December 2022. Back then, the Bronx Bombers also made Judge their 16th captain in the franchise history. Lately, in an interview with Tampa Bay Times, the Yankees captain told Kristie Ackert that the Rays showed a lot of interest in him when he was a free agent. Moreover, the California native mentioned that he appreciates the “Respectful” offer he got from the AL East division rivals. He appreciated the fact that the Tampa Bay side thought enough of him to offer him a $300 million deal.
Moreover, Judge said he respects the franchise and what they have built down there. He noted, “The Rays are a good club, and the team is tough.” However, Aaron Judge explained that it was very hard for him to think about representing the Rays because throughout his career, he has made game plans to try to beat them. As per Ackert, the Rays offered Judge a 10-year deal worth $300 million, but the superstar slugger rejected it. It was a pretty significant offer for the Tampa Bay franchise but it was also the lowest offer that Judge had received in December 2022.
Why The Offer From The Division Rivals Surprised The Yankees Captain?
Aaron Judge told Kristie Ackert that he kind of expected the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres to show interest in him. After all, he hails from San Francisco and as a kid used to support the Giants as a die-hard fan. Judge told Ackert that it was different because they don’t generally see these teams play in the American League. But the fact that surprised him about the offer from the Tampa Bay Rays was that they are a division rivals.
Aaron Judge said, “I’ve spent my whole career game planning against the Rays.” He may have rejected the Rays, but Judge loves Tampa Bay in general. Ackert reported that Judge has a home in the area and attends the Lightning Hockey games during the offseason. As per The Athletic, the Padres had offered Judge more than a $400 million deal, whereas the Giants offered a $360 million deal in 2022.
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