Aaron Judge’s 2023 destination was widely discussed throughout last season after he rejected a seven-year, $213.5 million extension offer from the Yankees, which was shared publicly before Opening Day.
The outfielder went on to have a historic 2022 season and eventually agreed to stay with New York, signing a nine-year, $360 million deal. But on The Tonight Show earlier this week, Judge explained his decision to Jimmy Fallon, adding how teammate Anthony Rizzo—and his dog—played a big role.
Rizzo also was a free agent, eventually agreeing to a two-year, $34 million contract to return to the Yankees, and once his spot was locked, the first baseman turned his attention to Judge.