Aaron Judge became a free agent after having a historic 2022 season with the New York Yankees. This put the Yankees in a tough spot, as there was a chance that they’d lose their best player. Furthermore, fans were afraid that the Yankees would not be able to retain their star player.

But Judge ultimately decided to stick with the team that drafted him and signed a long-term deal with the Yankees. The whole process was filled with tension and uncertainty for both the team and its fans. But Judge recently opened up on the process that he went through with his wife during his free agency. And there was apparently no need to worry.

Aaron Judge always had the Yankees in mind:

Despite meeting with several teams this off-season, Aaron Judge admitted that he always had the Yankees in mind. During an appearance on the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Judge opened up on his free agency process. He said that he met with a lot of great teams and people. But both he and his Samantha Bracksieck wife were convinced that they are Yankees and that fact won’t change.

During the interview, Judge said, “Yeah, you know, I met a lot of great teams, a lot of great people along, along the way. But, you know, after every meeting, I’d sit down with my wife, and we kind of look at each other and be like, ‘We’re Yankees’.” 

Read More: Aaron Judge Reveals How His $360 Million Deal Turned Derek Jeter’s Offer Into a “Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner” Request

Judge eventually signed a 9-year $360 million contract with the Yankees. The largest in the franchise’s history. Furthermore, he turned down bigger offers to sign with the Yankees on a long-term deal. The star outfielder did this in order to preserve his legacy. 

Judge chose legacy over money

Although $360 million is an obscene amount of money, Judge reportedly turned down bigger deals to sign with the Yankees. He did this in order to continue building his legacy with the New York-based franchise. According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Judge “didn’t want to surrender his legacy over dollars.”

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Rather, he wanted to further build his legacy with the team and retire as one of their biggest legends. This won’t be difficult as long as Judge continues to perform at a high level. Furthermore, the Yankee star will probably leave his mark as captain as well. What do you think of Aaron Judge’s revelation about his free agency? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!