The New York Yankees attempted to sign Aaron Judge for the long-term during 2022 spring training, but the slugger opted to bet on himself in a contract year.
In April, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed to the public details of the contract Judge rejected, which didn't sit well with the superstar.
“We kind of said, Hey, let’s keep this between us.' I was a little upset that the numbers came out," Judge told Sean Gregory of TIME Magazine. "I understand it’s a negotiation tactic. Put pressure on me. Turn the fans against me, turn the media on me.
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Of course, Judge's bet paid off. He was named the American League MVP after batting .311/.425/.686 in 157 games for the Yankees before becoming a free agent this offseason. He led the league in runs scored (133), RBI (131), walks (111) and shattered Roger Maris' AL record with 62 home runs, setting himself up for a record-breaking new contract this offseason.
Judge's free-agent decision could come as soon as this week during the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.
The Yankees and Giants reportedly are the two favorites to sign Judge with a deal expected to be for nine guaranteed seasons. Judge reportedly has a contract offer on the table from the Yankees of around eight years and $300 million, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
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Judge's prior feelings towards the Yankees' offer last spring do not indicate he is leaning one way or the other in his free-agent decision. But it's not unfair to assume that experience is in the back of his mind as he puts pen to paper this offseason.