New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is apparently getting paid by Major League Baseball (MLB) for in-game interviews.
In past years, it has become increasingly common for professional athletes to be interviewed during games or events, giving fans a glimpse into their mindset and emotions during competition. One player who has become known for his in-game interviews is New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. The Yankee slugger is the face of the franchise and a fan favorite in New York.
Last season, Aaron Judge scaled new career heights. He recorded his career-best offensive numbers, including record-breaking 62 home runs. Moreover, the Yankees even handed him the captaincy badge for the 2023 season and beyond. Hence, his popularity is over the roof. However, Judge is apparently using the popularity for monetary gains.
MLB Paying Hefty Amount To Players Like Aaron Judge For In-Game Interviews
Major League Baseball (MLB) introduced a unique concept of in-game interviews in 2017. The players were mic’d up before taking the field and chatted with the commentators during the whole course of the game. The interviews became widely popular as the fans got to understand the mindset of some famous faces of the sport and also gained first-hand insights. However, the players were a little skeptical intially as they feared that the interview would affect their concentration on the field.
Hence MLB decided to lure the player by offering incentives. According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, top players like Aaron Judge are receiving as much as $10,000 for a 10-minute in-game interview. Moreover, the money is cashed out of the funds that are shared between MLB and the players association. For Judge and other players who participate in these interviews, it can be a way to earn a little extra money and connect with fans simultaneously. And for fans, it provides a rare glimpse into the mindset of some of the biggest stars in sports during their most intense moments of competition.
Judge Reveals Choosing Yankees Over Giants Was A No-Brainer For Him
Aaron Judge created a lot of hype and uncertainty around him during the free agency. He held talks with the San Francisco Giants and nearly closed a deal. However, in a recent in-game interview, the slugger revealed that moving to Giants was never on his wishlist. Apparently, his heart and soul always stayed with New York. He went to San Francisco just to give them an opportunity to pitch an offer.
For Aaron Judge, coming back to New York Yankees was a no-brainer decision. He never wanted to leave the franchise in the first place. The slugger believes he has some unfinished business left in New York. He feels he owes the people of New York a World Series trophy and would not go anywhere until he fulfills the dream. The New York Yankees have not won a championship since 2009 despite qualifying for the playoffs in multiple seasons. Hence, Aaron Judge, with the captaincy badge on the pinstripes, looks determined to seal the unfinished business this year.
