Aaron Judge was the biggest free agent in 2022 when the New York Yankees extended his contract for a record nine-year deal worth $360 million. Who would want to let the superstar slugger leave after winning the American League MVP? Moreover, the fans in the Bronx have faith in their new captain, who succeeded Derek Jeter. Now, the fans wonder though if he will lead the franchise to their 28th World Series victory. It has been a long time since the NY side could claim themselves as the World Champions. The last time they did it was in 2009 under the leadership of their former shortstop, Derek Jeter.
Now, all eyes are on the current center fielder who is leading the league in most home runs this season. Lately, Aaron Judge became the fastest slugger to reach the 300 HRs milestone in MLB history. He did it in just 955 games. Clearly, the NY side would like to keep the outfielder happy and motivated for the longest time possible. However, there was a time when Judge was unhappy with the general manager, Brian Cashman.
Why Aaron Judge Was Unhappy With The Yankees GM?
During the coverage of 2022 Time Magazine’s Athlete Of The Year, Aaron Judge shared the story of the Yankees GM trying to pressurize him. Judge said Brian Cashman revealed their negotiation talks and it did not sit well with the outfielder. The 2022 AL MVP mentioned that the discussion was like, “Hey, let’s keep this between us.” But then, when the numbers came out, the California native got upset. He said it was understandable that it was their “Negotiation tactic.” The Yankees organization tried to put pressure on him, turn the fans and media against him. Hence, Aaron Judge mentioned, “That part I did not like.” Previously, the Bronx Bombers offered the 2022 AL MVP a seven-year deal worth $213.5 million.
But Judge refused that because he wanted to maximize his value as a free agent in 2022. Anyway, since 2023, Cashman and co. are paying the California native $40 million annually. When Judge signed the nine-year contract worth $360 million, it was the highest total free agent contract value in the history of the league. However, that record stayed on for a year. After all, last year, Shohei Ohtani signed the epic massive $700 million deal over 10 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. At present, the issue between Cashman and Judge is in the past as the slugger is trying to lead the team to its first World Series since 2009.
The California Native Denies His Comparison With Derek Jeter
Clearly, Aaron Judge is going in the MLB Hall of Fame. Lately, the outfielder made the 300 home run milestone and the fastest to get there. That record sees him on the same category with MLB Legends like Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Howard. The 32 year old slugger often gets the comparison with former Yankees captain Derek Jeter. As per Time Magazine, Judge mentioned that whenever people compares him with Jeter or A-Rod he feels confused.
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Adding to that, Aaron Judge noted, “I try not to be like anyone, just be who I am.” The 32-year-old outfielder can soon enter the 1000 hits club as he is currently on 988. Before he turns 40 and ready to hang up his boots, he can also enter the elite clubs of most RBIs and runs.
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