Anthony Rizzo used his dog to help convince Aaron Judge to re-sign with Yankees
New York Yankees fans apparently have Anthony Rizzo and his dog to thank for the team re-signing superstar outfielder Aaron Judge this offseason.
Judge made an appearance on the "Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday night and gave a hilarious backstory on what really helped him re-sign with the team.
It was the personal relationship that Judge and his dog had with Rizzo and his dog, Kevin.
Judge told Fallon that after Rizzo worked out his new contract with the Yankees he would get texts and phone calls from the first basemen on a daily basis, with Rizzo even playing up the fact their dogs were best of friends.
Judge ended up re-signing with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million contract after it briefly looked like he might be joining the San Francisco Giants.
The $360 million was probably the main driving force behind Judge's decision, but you can never discount the impact of a good dog. Especially a dog that is hilariously named after a human.
Judge, the 2022 American League MVP winner, set an American League record with 62 home runs and put together one of the best single season offensive performances in league history. With him back in the mix the Yankees are again looking like major World Series contenders, especially after bringing back Rizzo and adding starting pitcher Carlos Rodon in free agency.
The Yankees are coming off of a 99-win season, but were swept in the ALCS by their longtime nemesis, the Houston Astros. It has been 14 years since the Yankees made a World Series appearance and the pressure to get back is really starting to mount. Having Judge back will definitely improve their chances in the near future.
More must-reads: