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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Andrew Gamble

New York Yankees owner offers free agency hint after Aaron Judge signing

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner suggested more signings are imminent after the iconic franchise managed to re-sign superstar Aaron Judge.

Amid plenty of speculation surrounding his future, the Yankees confirmed the American League MVP would be staying with the team after striking a $360million (£297m) deal that keeps Judge in New York through the 2031 season. He was linked with a number of teams, including the San Francisco Giants.

Prior to the 2022 season, Judge declined a seven-year extension worth $231.5m (£191m) and his patience was rewarded after he entered the offseason as one of the most in-demand free agents in MLB history. He enjoyed a tremendous campaign as he struck 62 home runs to surpass Roger Maris’ AL record for home runs.

The slugger appeared set to return to his home California as the Giants used Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry as part of their pitch to bring Judge to the west coast. Judge reportedly received a 10-year offer worth $400m from the San Diego Padres but decided to stay with the Yankees - and it appears their offseason moves are far from over.

Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch took to social media to relay what Steinbrenner said regarding future free agent signings: “We’re not done yet.”

As well as retaining Judge, the Yankees also re-signed Anthony Rizzo on a reported two-year deal worth $40m (£33m) with a club option for $17m (£14m) for a third year. New York also added starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner suggested the franchise will make further moves in free agency (Seth Wenig/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Steinbrenner was talking at the official unveiling of Judge following his bumper new contact on Wednesday. It was also announced the four-time All-Star was to be honoured with the title of the Yankees captain - the first since the iconic Derek Jeter, who led the franchise from 2003 to 2014.

Judge described the title as an honour and insisted he was prepared to lead the team as they chase a first World Series since 2009. Following the announcement of the captaincy, Steinbrenner added: “It is my great pleasure, thankfully, despite a brief absence, to welcome Aaron not only back to the Bronx but to welcome Aaron back to the Bronx as 16th captain of this great organisation, the New York Yankees.

“An honour and position which he greatly deserves.”

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