Aaron Judge: The Iconic Baseball Legend

What's the Story Behind Aaron Judge's Net Worth and Salary?

Let’s talk about Aaron Judge, the towering figure of Major League Baseball. With a net worth of $50 million, this right-handed outfielder isn't just breaking records on the field—he's shattering them financially too. In October 2022, Aaron Judge made history by smashing Roger Maris’ American League single-season home run record with his 62nd home run against the Texas Rangers. Standing at 6'7" and tipping the scales at 282 pounds, Judge's imposing presence is matched only by his incredible talent. His journey began as a three-sport star at Linden High School in California. Drafted in the 31st round by the Oakland Athletics in 2010, he opted instead to play college baseball at Fresno State, where he earned numerous accolades and even won the 2012 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby. The Yankees drafted him again in 2013, and since then, he's been a cornerstone of the organization.

Contracts: A Journey Through the Years

When Judge joined the Yankees in 2013, he signed a modest one-year, $1.8 million contract. But his rise to fame wasn't immediate. In the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons, he inked one-year deals ranging from $500,000 to $620,000. Leading up to the 2020 season, Judge signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract, followed by a one-year, $10.175 million deal in 2021. For the 2022 season, he opted for another one-year deal, this time worth $19 million. Between 2016 and 2022, Aaron accumulated $40 million in MLB salary alone. After the 2022 season, he became a free agent, turning down a seven-year, $213.5 million extension from the Yankees to bet on himself with a one-year, $19 million deal. And boy, did it pay off. Following his record-breaking 2022 season, Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees on December 7, 2022. By being patient and believing in his abilities, Aaron secured an extra $146.5 million.

Let’s put this into perspective: Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest Yankees of all time, earned a total of $1.28 million during his entire career. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $9 million. Aaron Judge will make more than that every 35 games for the next nine years. His nine-year, $360 million contract averages out to $40 million annually, placing it as the third-largest contract in history in terms of average annual salary, trailing only Patrick Mahomes’ $42 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and Lionel Messi’s $168 million contract with Barcelona. In terms of overall size, it ranks as the fifth-largest contract ever.

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Endorsements: More Than Just Baseball

Beyond the diamond, Aaron Judge is a marketing powerhouse. He's secured lucrative endorsement deals with big names like Pepsi and Adidas. From 2014 to 2018, he was an Under Armour athlete, showcasing his versatility and appeal beyond the baseball world.

Early Life: From Linden to Stardom

Aaron Judge was born on April 26, 1992, in Linden, California, and was adopted the very next day by Patty and Wayne Judge, two dedicated teachers. Growing up, Aaron was a San Francisco Giants fan, a team he'd later surpass in terms of individual achievements. As a child, he excelled in academics and sports, graduating with a 3.2 GPA, serving on the student council, and volunteering in his community. At Linden High School, Judge was a three-sport star, playing baseball, basketball, and football. His baseball team reached the state Division III playoffs, and he set single-season records for touchdowns and receiving yards. Despite being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round of the 2010 amateur draft, Aaron chose to attend California State University, Fresno, focusing on baseball instead of football.

Professional Career: From Rookie to All-Star

Aaron was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft as the 32nd overall pick. He signed a contract with the Yankees that included a $1.8 million signing bonus. However, a muscle tear sidelined him for the entire 2013 season. After playing for various minor league teams, Judge made his professional debut in August 2016. In a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he started as a right fielder and, in his very first at-bat in the big leagues, hit a home run. Interestingly, the batter right before him also hit a home run in his MLB debut. Aaron played in 27 games during his rookie season, finishing with a .179 batting average. The following season, Judge became a starter, playing in 155 games, hitting 52 home runs, and batting .284, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game. He continued to be an All-Star in 2018, 2021, and 2022.

Home Run Record: Breaking Barriers

The 2022 season was a watershed moment for Aaron Judge, as he hit 62 home runs, surpassing Roger Maris’ American League record of 61. To truly cement his place in the record books, Aaron would need to break these records:

• 1999: Sammy Sosa, 63*
• 2001: Sammy Sosa, 64*
• 1999: Mark McGwire, 65*
• 1998: Sammy Sosa, 66*
• 1998: Mark McGwire, 70*
• 2001: Barry Bonds, 73*

*(It is widely believed that these athletes used performance-enhancing drugs when setting their records.)

Personal Life: Beyond the Diamond

Off the field, Aaron Judge leads a fulfilling personal life. In December 2021, he married his longtime girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck. Whether on or off the field, Aaron Judge continues to inspire fans with his incredible journey and unwavering dedication to the game he loves.

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