Yankees’ Aaron Judge reflects on Giants free agency pursuit ahead of Oracle Park debut

Before ultimately agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million contract extension with the New York Yankees in December 2022, Aaron Judge seriously weighed the option of joining the San Francisco Giants.

The Giants held a special place in Judge’s heart as his childhood favorite team, given his California upbringing. Consequently, they posed a significant threat to lure the star outfielder away from the Bronx. In fact, San Francisco was the first to offer Judge the lucrative nine-year deal before the Yankees matched it.

As Judge prepares for his debut at Oracle Park on Friday night, the question arose regarding his contemplation of joining the Giants a year-and-a-half ago.

“Definitely,” Judge affirmed, as reported by Greg Joyce of The New York Post. “When you’re a free agent, you’re looking at all the different options and seeing how it’s going to turn out. It would have been a great place to play, but I ended up staying with New York and I think it was the right choice.”

For the Yankee captain, the series in San Francisco promises to be a surreal experience. “So now getting a chance to step on the field that I went to so many games in the stands and now getting a chance to be on that field, it’s gonna be pretty – it’s going to be a whirlwind,” Judge expressed.

Despite the tempting offer from his childhood team, Judge’s decision to remain with the Yankees appears vindicated. The slugger has established himself as a fan favorite in New York since his AL-leading 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017. Continuing to solidify his legacy, Judge shattered Roger Maris’ single-season home run record with 62 homers in 2022.

Beyond personal achievements, Judge’s commitment to the Yankees is bolstered by the team’s current standing as the best in the American League with a 39-19 record. Anchored by an impressive lineup featuring the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto, alongside a formidable pitching staff, the Yankees are poised as genuine contenders for the World Series in 2024.

In contrast, the Giants’ middling performance with a 29-28 record, coupled with a less potent offense and pitching struggles, underscores Judge’s decision to remain in New York.

As Judge continues to carve his legacy in pinstripes, his potential future inclusion in Monument Park and pursuit of championships could solidify his status as one of the Yankees’ most revered figures in recent decades, alongside icons like Derek Jeter.