All Rise: Judge to Remain a Yankee for Life

Baseball, New York Yankees, Professional

December 7, 2022

All rise…and exhale

The verdict is in. Aaron Judge will remain a New York Yankee for life. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the 2022 AL MVP declined a ten-year, $400 million contract from the Padres and an offer from his hometown Giants that reportedly matched or possibly exceeded the nine-year, $360 million contract he ultimately agreed to with the Yankees.

Sources say that up until Judge’s private jet touched down in San Diego on Tuesday, the Yankees had an eight-year, $320 million offer on the table. After it was falsely leaked on Twitter on Tuesday evening that “Arson Judge” had agreed to a deal with the Giants, the Yankees went into panic-mode, brought in their Mariano Rivera of the negotiations—Hal Steinbrenner suiting up from an eight-hour time difference in Italy—and closed out the deal. The Yankees added one year and $40 million to their offer for a nine-year, $360 million deal. Although the Yankees allegedly came in one year and $40 million shy of the top offer, it’s clear Judge wants to leave his legacy in the BX.

Like kids in a candy store

If this news makes you feel like a kid in a candy story, you’re not alone. Fans, teammates, and front-office staff alike are reeling over the news.

One fan remarked, “When Judge signed I literally jumped up in the air while walking out of a McDonald’s and then wanted to sprint down the sidewalk like Charlie in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

“For 3 minutes yesterday thanks to Heyman I felt what it was like for Aaron Judge to not be a Yankee. Could not be happier this man is gonna be a Yankee for life, not sure I could live without him,” said another.

Nestor Cortes—seen courtside at last night’s Knick’s game—told reporters he’s “excited, so many emotions coming through. The guy held out, he bet on himself, and not a better feeling than to have him as a teammate. I’m happy he’s back. I’m ready for spring training.”

Aaron Boone remarked that he had had “a pit in my stomach.” He celebrated the news with a call to Judge yesterday. “I wanted to make sure he knew how I felt about him, and how we felt about him too.”

Oh Captain, our Captain

The big question now, aside from other postseason signings, is, when will the Yankees name Judge Captain? Judge would be the team’s first Captain since Derek Jeter. Wouldn’t it be a delight to witness this moment in history upon opening the 2023 season against none other than...the San Francisco Giants?

The Yankees’ roster as it stands

The Yankees announced on November 15 that Anthony Rizzo will remain a Yankee at least for the next two years. They agreed to a two-year deal with a club option in the third year. Rizzo will make $34 million over the next two seasons plus a club option for 2025 that includes a $6 million buyout.

The Yankees also announced the return of RHP Tommy Kahnle who had signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers after the 2020 season. Although Kahnle was out with Tommy John in 2021, he returned to the mound last season and produced a 2.84 ERA and a save in 12⅔ innings.

Do the Yankees have any other hail mary's up their sleeves? Upon the news of RHP Jameson Taillon signing a four-year deal with the Cubs, do the Yankees have their sights set on LHP Carlos Rodón? Will the Yankees retain LF Andrew Benintendi? Time will tell, but it seems they had better get moving as teams around them have made some big moves over the last few days.