“Want to wear pinstripes as long as I’m playing baseball” – Aaron Judge hopes to stay with Yankees
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Aaron Judge
Right fielder Aaron Judge intends to make good on his stated goal of delivering a championship to the New York Yankees, though he’d like to add more time. His future was a hot topic at the Yankees camp on Tuesday, where the 29-year-old expressed his desire to reach a long-term contract extension with the club.
Judge said that he hopes a deal can be agreed upon before Opening Day of Major League Baseball (MLB) season; else, he is prepared to play out his final year under team control, then resumes negotiating with the club as he approaches free agency.
“If we’re able to talk and get something done in Spring Training before the season starts, that would be ideal,” Judge said. “This is an important year, just like every year is an important year. We’ve got a lot of things to focus on during the year — winning the division, winning the championship here in New York. I don’t want contract extensions or all that stuff to be a distraction throughout the year.”
“Been an honour and a blessing to be here”
The California native Judge, who has repeatedly reiterated his desire to remain with the Yankees, was drafted in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft.
“As long as I’m playing baseball, I want to be wearing pinstripes,” Judge said. “It’s been an honour and a blessing to be here, getting a chance to play for this franchise, to be surrounded by so many great players and walk in the footsteps of so many other former great players that have played this game.
“There’s no better place to play on this planet. I strongly believe that and I’ve been vocal about that. I want to stay here in pinstripes. If that happens, that happens. But if it comes to it that it doesn’t, I’ll enjoy my memories here.”
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Sachin Arora
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