As soon as top player Aaron Judge committed to playing with the Yankees for the ensuing nine years, fans of the team breathed a sigh of relief. The American League MVP from the previous season agreed to a record-breaking $90-million deal.
Although job-hopping may have garnered a lot of attention this year for its potential to help workers command higher wages, Judge’s experience was the exact reverse.
He turned down a contract from the Yankees earlier this year that would have earned him $213.5 million over seven years of playing. He took the option to pursue free agency since he thought his skills may be worth more.
In expressing his frustration with negotiations at the time, Judge told reporters he “wants to be a Yankee for life.”
Judge was able to negotiate the more advantageous deal thanks to his positive attitude and a spectacular season in which he shattered the record for most home runs in a single season. Judge allegedly shopped offers from many organizations, including the San Francisco Giants, before settling on a deal that allowed him to remain in the Bronx.
With an annual salary of over $40 million, Judge will surpass all other position players in the league. The total contract, however, isn’t quite as big as the league’s top earners.
Of course, $40 million a year is nothing to balk at. Especially considering that’s nearly 10 times last season’s average MLB salary of $4.4 million, according to ESPN.
And Judge’s income doesn’t stop when he steps off the field. His star-power helped him garner the most endorsements of any professional athlete in 2021, according to SponsorUnited. Brands including Adidas, Hulu and Pepsi have teamed up with Judge to promote a variety of products throughout his career.
His commitment to the Yankees may help fuel the team’s success in the coming seasons, but not without risk. Judge turns 31 in April, which some have pointed out makes this long-term contract a little precarious in a sport where the average retirement age is 29½ and players generally see their success decline as they get further into their 30s.
But Judge has, so far, proved himself an outlier. He stands out both for his huge physical stature (he’s 6 foot 7) and all-around talent. He also has a home run record under his belt. Whatever success is left for Judge to find, it seems he’s determined to find it as a Yankee.
