New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Aaron Judge met with team other than Giants, Yankees 'last minute' before decision

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/7/22

Before agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million deal to return to the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge reportedly met "last minute" with a surprise team.

Aaron Judge flew into San Diego at the last minute to decide among three teams: the New York Yankees, the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. The Yankees bumped their offer to nine years and $360 million, and in the end, Judge decided he wanted to remain a Yankee.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022

Indications are Aaron Judge turned down higher offers elsewhere because he wanted to remain a Yankee.

The all-time AL Home Run King is staying in the Bronx. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2022

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Judge flew to San Diego on Tuesday evening, but later that night, had informed the Yankees and his teammates of his decision to return. For weeks, if not months, it was assumed that if Judge were to leave the Bronx, it would be for the Bay Area.

The most recent miss for the Padres comes on the heels of their failed attempt to land All-Star shortstop Trea Turner. Despite reportedly receiving an offer worth more money, the speedster elected to move back east and join the Philadelphia Phillies on an 11-year, $300 million deal.

Per Spotrac, San Diego already has third baseman Manny Machado and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. signed through the 2029 and 2035 seasons respectively, with Machado earning an average salary of $30 million per year and Tatis Jr. collecting over $24 million per year. The shortstop will be eligible to return from his 80-game PED suspension in late April.

Judge's new deal isn't finalized yet, due to a pending physical, but assuming it goes through without issue, it will represent the highest average annual value for a position player in MLB history.

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