New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge. Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Giants president never thought Aaron Judge would sign with team

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/28/23

San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said that despite reports that superstar Aaron Judge was close to signing with the team over the winter, he never thought it would happen.

During an interview with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Zaidi preceded the revelation by saying he didn't know if his belief was a "coping mechanism."

SFGiants pres of baseball ops Farhan Zaidi talks pursuing Judge here. Also goes deep on Correa, Conforto, his team's playoff chances, prospects, more. @JonHeyman and I talk Mets' plummet, Judge's toe.

Apple: https://t.co/WBy5jdtNRV
Spotify: https://t.co/92NSpqL8Bv pic.twitter.com/PTFVbjTMgS
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 28, 2023

Zaidi added that he believed Judge gave the Giants "real consideration" and that his interest was "sincere."

Aside from New York and San Francisco, the 2022 AL MVP also reportedly met with the San Diego Padres before deciding to return to the Bronx. Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees in December and was named the franchise's first captain since Derek Jeter.

The 31-year-old got off to a monster start in 2023, winning the AL Player of the Month award for May, but his status for the remainder of the season is now very much up in the air due to a toe injury. Judge has landed on the injured list after his crash into the outfield wall at Dodger Stadium during a game in early June.

Judge hasn't played since the incident on June 3, missing 19 straight contests. The Yankees have gone just 8-11 since their four-time All-Star went down and are only 13-17 without his services this season. They are 30-19 with him in the lineup.

Despite missing 30 games, Judge still leads the Yankees in home runs (19) by eight, RBI (40) and walks (35), and is tied for the team-high in runs scored (42).

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