MLB World reacts to Aaron Judge’s contract

The baseball universe woke up Wednesday with some big news: The New York Yankees agreed to re-sign American League MVP Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million contract that will make him one of the highest paid players in the sport.

For a moment Tuesday, it seemed Judge was leaning toward signing with the San Francisco Giants.

The San Diego Padres were also in the mix at the last minute with an incredible offer:

The main reason Aaron Judge flew to San Diego on Tuesday was to meet with the San Diego #Fathers.
They offered him $400 million over 10 years.
Judge stays in New York for $360 million for nine years.

—Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 7, 2022

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The Giants’ offer was also believed to be better than the Yankees’.

In the end, Judge sacrificed money and a longer commitment to return to the Yankees.

People in New York are delighted with it.

Aaron Judge is a Yankee from New York.

He is your next captain.
The Yankees are the Yankees.

GO BAYBAYYYYY pic.twitter.com/jG6IXS4vmY

— Talking Jake (@TalkinJake) December 7, 2022

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And Judge, of course, is now a very, very rich man.

Good for Aaron Judge, who can celebrate his 1-year wedding anniversary next week in Hawaii by shopping for Hawaii.

—Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 7, 2022

This contract is the result of a talented player betting on having a great season and increasing his earnings with a better payday.

The Yanks offered him $213.5 million over seven years before the 2022 season, and he opted to wait until free agency.

A life-changing decision for Judge

That decision changed his life, as he earned almost an additional $150 million.

It was well deserved, after he slashed .311/.425/.686 with 62 home runs, the MVP award and a new AL record for round-trip home runs.

Fans begged him to stay, and after a long process, he made sure to stick around for a long time.

I am very excited! My favorite guy!
Congratulations @TheJudge44 Y @Yankees 💙💙💙💙💙

— PaTresha I 💚Christmas 🎄🎅🏻💙🇺🇦PresidentJoe💙 (@PaTresha10) December 7, 2022

Genuinely happy my 2 year old is growing up watching Aaron Judge in Pinstripes

– sad yankees fan (@yankeesvision) December 7, 2022

Now that they’ve re-signed Judge, the Yankees can focus on improving the roster they fielded in the ALCS.

They got swept by the Houston Astros there, so they really need to bring in some backup.

Will they have enough resources left?

Will they be willing to use them?

It will be fascinating to find out.