Aaron Judge insists he wants to be with Yankees ‘for a long time’
Aaron Judge maintained Monday he would like to stay with the New York Yankees for the rest of his career even though it was possible that signing in free-agent status at the close of the season was a possibility.
Judge was present at the MLB All-Star Game media day in Los Angeles and was asked about his current status with the Yankees as he concluded the first quarter of the season at an exuberant pace.
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees speaks to the media during the 2022 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day held at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022. The event took place in Los Angeles, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
“I would like to be a part of the Yankees. I’d like to be here for a long period,” Judge said, via SNY. “If it goes well it will work out. If not then it’s not. It’s not my fault. I’m not able to control this type of thing. It’s for me, just focused on the sport and enjoying the game. When I’m a free player and we make a decision about where we’ll take our next step, we’ll figure this out in the future.”
The judge rejected an eight-year deal worth $230.5 million to $234.5 million and was in search of a deal for nine years with a value of $319.6 million. Judge set an unconstitutional date for the opening day of the season which was April 8- – and stated that he would not discuss this contract till after the start of the season.
YANKEES BLOWOUT RED SOX IN SECOND STRAIGHT GAME BEHIND STRONG PERFORMANCES FROM GERRIT COLE, MATT CARPENTER
American League All-Star Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees takes batting practice during the 2022 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022. The event took place in Los Angeles, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
On Monday, the outfielder claimed that he’s never played baseball to earn money.
“I do not live in anxiety. Money has never been the main reason I played this game. This is a blessing I’m blessed with and I want to take it to the streets and have fun while using my gift to the fullest extent of my abilities,” he said.
“Everything else will be taken care of by itself. This is why I hired agents. It’s the reason I have family members who helped in making the best choices. In the end, everything will be taken care of when it’s located in New York or if it’s not located in New York. It’s not something I need to fret or worry about. It’s going to take care of by itself.”
American League All-Stars Giancarlo Stanton #27 (L) and Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees (R) discuss in conversation with Luis Arraez #2 of the Minnesota Twins during the 2022 Gatorade All-Star Workout day at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022. The event took place in Los Angeles, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The judge was tied with Roger Maris’ record for the most home runs hit by a Yankees player during the All-Star break, hitting 33 hits. Maris established the record in 1961, which was the same year that he hit the record with 61 home runs.
