"After every meeting, I would sit down with my wife" - When Aaron Judge revealed how Yankees slugger & wife Samantha stayed true to pinstripes

If New York Yankees fans were to thank anyone behind the signing of Aaron Judge to the club, it would be his wife, Samantha Brackseick. After a historic 2022 season that saw Judge break the AL record for most home runs in a single season, the outfielder became a free agent for the first time in his career.

As expected, Judge was a hot commodity during the offseason at the time, with several teams, including the Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, showing good interest in his free agency. However, Judge and his wife were convinced that the Yankees were the place he wanted to be, as he went on to sign a then-record-breaking nine-year, $360 million contract to stay in the Bronx.

Aaron Judge appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in January 2023, shortly after he announced the deal. There, he discussed factors associated with his signing with the Yankees.

"It was a fun process," Judge said. "Every athlete dreams of reaching that point where they can choose where they want to play. It just so happened that I got drafted by the best team on the planet, so that made it even better.

"I met a lot of great teams and a lot of great people along the way, but after every meeting, I’d sit down with my wife, and we’d look at each other and say, ‘We’re Yankees.’"

Aaron Judge credits Anthony Rizzo for his constant persuasive efforts to make him sign with Yankees

Apart from his wife, Samantha, Aaron Judge was persuaded by one of his teammates to sign with the Yankees. It was none other than first baseman Anthony Rizzo, with whom he shares a close bond that even their pets are friends.

Talking about it during the same segment with Jimmy Fallon, Judge said:

"Anthony Rizzo played a big part—a big part. He was a free agent too. He opted out, but he got his contract out of the way, and then he said, ‘Now we got to get you locked in.’ He was calling me every day, sending me texts every day. He was working hard. He really did a good job."

In his second year after the contract, Aaron Judge helped the Yankees to their first ALCS title in 15 years. Ultimately they fell short against the LA Dodgers in the World Series, but the Yankees captain had a great year, resulting in a unanimous MVP selection, which was his second of the career.