Aaron Judge gave the New York Yankees a mini heart attack when he entered free agency following his MVP season in 2022. He went to the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres in search of a lucrative contract. But Hal Steinbrenner turned things in the Yankees’ favor with a single phone call.
Steinbrenner promised Aaron Judge an expensive contract, captaincy, and a chance to win a world championship. Ultimately, Judge’s heart was always in New York as he returned to complete the unfinished business. Having said that, while Judge is locked in a nine-year contract, is there a possibility of the captain jumping ships?
Joe Kelly Jokes About Trading Aaron Judge To Dodgers
LA Dodgers played a masterstroke this off-season by signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in monstrous contracts. After signing Ohtani for $700 million, the duo agreed to defer 97% of his salary to the end of his term. That allowed the Dodgers to accommodate Yamamoto on the annual payroll. It was a loophole LA exploited and left the MLB fraternity stunned. Having said that, in a heartening gesture, Joe Kelly gifted the No. 17 jersey to Ohtani and picked No. 99 for himself for the upcoming season. However, Kelly joked that if the Dodgers have any plans to trade Aaron Judge, they can go ahead as he is ready to give up his no.99 jersey for Judge. Notably, Judge wears no.99 with the New York Yankees, and it’s his trademark.
Having said that, Joe Kelly’s wishes are unlikely to be granted anytime soon. Aaron Judge is locked in with the New York Yankees for the upcoming eight years. That certainly means the towering slugger could end his career in the Bronx. For Judge, to hang his boots in New York would mean a lot. He would leave an unmatched legacy similar to Derek Jeter. On top of that, the slugger has always had a soft corner for the city of New York. He loves the fans, and the fans absolutely adore him. A Yankee fan cannot imagine a team without Judge in it. It’s a sweet connection the former MVP has managed to form with the franchise loyalists. Hopefully, Judge will win multiple championships in the Bronx and sign off as one of the greatest players the franchise has ever produced.
Judge On A Quest To Execute Unfinished Business
Aaron Judge has some unfinished business left in New York City. That is to win a World Series championship. The captain made his debut in 2016. And has since seen the Yankees’ standard decline with each passing season. But that’s not what he grew up watching. He has raised Yankee fans and is accustomed to witnessing the team securing championship after championship.
Regardless, Aaron Judge is determined to accomplish the big dream. While signing a record nine-year extension contract, Judge said he owed a championship to the people of New York. And he won’t leave until he accomplishes that ultimate dream. Moreover, with the right combination and precise execution, Judge firmly believes a World Series title is just around the corner.
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