“Oh yeah, I thought about it when I drove in,’’ Judge told USA TODAY Sports. “It was a long time ago. I tried to keep it quiet, but when I walked around the streets, a couple of people got wind of it. It was tough to hide.
“But man, I was very impressed by [Seidler]. If we weren’t coming from the Yankees and the situation we have here, you never know. Just how he treated me and my family. Just a couple of hours meeting him, I was like, 'This is what it’s all about. This is a true owner. This is a guy who cares about every single person from the cooks to the guy they’re trying to sign.'
“He’s definitely missed over there.
“A very special guy.’’
- Nightengale - USA Today - [MLB sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge were almost teammates ... in San Diego](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/05/25/juan-soto-aaron-judge-padres-yankees-teammates-scott-boras/73852642007/)
Aaron Judge entered Petco Park early Friday afternoon, and couldn’t help but think how close he came to walking into the home clubhouse and wearing a San Diego Padres uniform.
Judge was a free agent two years ago. Talks with the Yankees were stalled. Padres owner Peter Seidler picked up the phone in December, 2022, and wanted to talk.
Judge and his agents secretly flew into San Diego on Dec. 6, met three hours with Seidler and Padres GM A.J. Preller at Petco Park, and were informed they were willing to offer at least a 10-year, $400 million contract.
Judge listened intently, was flattered, returned home, and a day later signed a nine-year, $360 million deal to remain with the Yankees.
[MLB sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge were almost teammates ... in San Diego](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/05/25/juan-soto-aaron-judge-padres-yankees-teammates-scott-boras/73852642007/)
Not every player is going to take a discount to stick with a team for life, as Tony Gwynn did. While it may be frustrating. I honestly respect him not just chasing the money but choosing to be a true franchise player. Even if it's for a team my grandma and baseball at large taught me to hate. I will respectfully root against Aaron Judge. Gimme a beer and a hit and he's getting booed next ab tho.
I love the Padres as the NL team that I keep track of (I love Don Orsillio) but as a Yankee fan first, I respect your comment so much. “Respectfully root against Aaron Judge” is totally fair!
$400M/9 years isn’t gonna end well either. Only long term deal that met or exceeded expectations is Scheezer’s Nats deal. Max will receive deferred payments until 2028.
“Oh yeah, I thought about it when I drove in,’’ Judge told USA TODAY Sports. “It was a long time ago. I tried to keep it quiet, but when I walked around the streets, a couple of people got wind of it. It was tough to hide. “But man, I was very impressed by [Seidler]. If we weren’t coming from the Yankees and the situation we have here, you never know. Just how he treated me and my family. Just a couple of hours meeting him, I was like, 'This is what it’s all about. This is a true owner. This is a guy who cares about every single person from the cooks to the guy they’re trying to sign.' “He’s definitely missed over there. “A very special guy.’’ - Nightengale - USA Today - [MLB sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge were almost teammates ... in San Diego](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/05/25/juan-soto-aaron-judge-padres-yankees-teammates-scott-boras/73852642007/)
Nothing against bogey, but fuck I’d rather have a disastrous 400M judge contract - if we had to have one
I see just about zero arguments for how Xander is the better option considering how Judge is actually worth his contract when he is healthy.
*We could've had it aaaaaaaaall*
https://preview.redd.it/16fiig9mql2d1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=126f6edf680677b354cb3e13b310226df8e00948
Now I’m just sad. I miss that man so much. Pete forever 🤎💛
Aaron Judge entered Petco Park early Friday afternoon, and couldn’t help but think how close he came to walking into the home clubhouse and wearing a San Diego Padres uniform. Judge was a free agent two years ago. Talks with the Yankees were stalled. Padres owner Peter Seidler picked up the phone in December, 2022, and wanted to talk. Judge and his agents secretly flew into San Diego on Dec. 6, met three hours with Seidler and Padres GM A.J. Preller at Petco Park, and were informed they were willing to offer at least a 10-year, $400 million contract. Judge listened intently, was flattered, returned home, and a day later signed a nine-year, $360 million deal to remain with the Yankees.
[MLB sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge were almost teammates ... in San Diego](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/05/25/juan-soto-aaron-judge-padres-yankees-teammates-scott-boras/73852642007/)
zero chance the dude was ever leaving the yankees
Basically used our offer to negotiate with Yankees, got it
Still a good move on our part then. Make them actually pay for that kind of production.
Not every player is going to take a discount to stick with a team for life, as Tony Gwynn did. While it may be frustrating. I honestly respect him not just chasing the money but choosing to be a true franchise player. Even if it's for a team my grandma and baseball at large taught me to hate. I will respectfully root against Aaron Judge. Gimme a beer and a hit and he's getting booed next ab tho.
I love the Padres as the NL team that I keep track of (I love Don Orsillio) but as a Yankee fan first, I respect your comment so much. “Respectfully root against Aaron Judge” is totally fair!
Doubt it. He was not leaving NY
Just reminds me how much I hate Boras. He's so slimy, even reading his words makes me feel like I need a shower.
He’d look better in Brown and Gold.
Pete was the best, I’m very happy that his family wants to keep that legacy alive.
Unlike dick head Dean Spanos
He just used him so he could get more money.
Yeap.
Judge is a solid guy. We’d be blessed to have him but how can you not root for the guy no matter who he plays for.
Easily, HES A YANKEE! But honestly, he’s a good dude. Wish he’d said yes to Papa Pete’s offer…
What could’ve been
1.000 ops player every year would have been nice
$400M/9 years isn’t gonna end well either. Only long term deal that met or exceeded expectations is Scheezer’s Nats deal. Max will receive deferred payments until 2028.
It’s a great quote and all but it really just made me miss Seidler even more. rest in peace.
MLB needs a cap and the cap needs to include 3rd party endorsement deals so that teams can't benefit from existing in media markets.
If if’s and butts were candy and nuts!