Back in 2022, Aaron Judge stepped into the Opening Day without a contract. The New York Yankees had offered him an extension, but Judge didn’t agree with the numbers. He knew what he was worth, and he proved it. He smashed sixty-two homers—a franchise record—won an MVP title, and the Yankees had no choice but to pay up. So, they paid him $360 million for nine years.

At that time, it felt like a huge deal. The captain stays in pinstripes and didn’t head to the San Francisco Giants—it was a win, right? But now, after just three years, Juan Soto has changed how people look at superstar contracts in MLB. He signed a whopping $765 million contract for 15 years, and in front of that, Judge’s $360 million deal doesn’t look as impressive anymore.

Insiders and even players from other teams are now raising their eyebrows. More so because the talk of salary caps has already started in the league.

Bob Nightengale said, “Is there anyone more underpaid in the game than Aaron Judge, who is making less than half of Juan Soto?” Not just that, he even compared Judge to Babe Ruth. “In Judge’s last 162 games, he’s slashing. 343/.473/.739 with 63 home runs, 137 runs, and 159 RBIs. The only other player in MLB history to accomplish the feat? Babe Ruth.” And it’s not just Nightengale who pointed this out. Even Bryce Harper did not hesitate to bring this up earlier this year, saying, “It shocks me that a guy like Aaron Judge didn’t get more than what he got (nine years, $360 million).” 

According to Fangraphs, Judge has delivered $411 million in career value. That translates to $90 million in value last season alone. But the reality is, in MLB, it’s tough for players who reach their 30s or are about to, to land such a massive deal. Meanwhile, for players like Soto or even Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who signed an unprecedented deal as a first baseman in their twenties, it’s much easier to get a massive deal.

The Yankees just got lucky and locked in a franchise player at a discount. They could have lost him to the Giants if it had not been for a call from Hal Steinbrenner and a nudge from his wife, Samantha, to head back to the Bronx. For now, the Yankees sit atop the AL East. And Judge, in his 30s and swinging the torpedo bat, is still performing well. But recently, he did get into a little controversy!

Well, he wasn’t just robbed of a handsome salary; he was even robbed of a home run.

Aaron Judge’s response to the blown home run call

While playing against the Tampa Bay Rays, Judge seemed to have what would have been his eighth home run of the season snatched from his grasp. In the top of the eighth inning, he launched a towering shot. The camera panned as the ball grazed the trees behind, so imagine the surprise when the ump called it a foul! Of course, the call was challenged by the Yankees, but the decision was upheld. In fact, after this, Judge was even struck out. And manager Aaron Boone, after arguing with the umpire, was ejected from the game.  It was Boone’s 40th career ejection! 

After the game, Boone didn’t hold back in his displeasure. He called the blown call remarkable, saying he didn’t understand how they missed it. “It’s a home run. It didn’t go our way, though. … I get it’s high and towering, but then it goes to replay. I guess they couldn’t find enough [that was] conclusive. So we’ve got to live with the call.” Even Cody Bellinger said, “It was probably the furthest ball I’ve ever seen hit.” However, when Judge was asked, he remained as cool as possible about the controversy.

However, Judge did say, “It was a fair ball. It’s just tough in a situation like this, in a minor league park where the foul poles aren’t that high.” For context, the Rays are playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field this season since their stadium is damaged due to Hurricane Milton. And as far as the foul poles that Judge mentioned, he is probably aware since it’s the Yankees’ spring training field.

Luckily, despite the missed calls, the Yankees won the game and now head to Cleveland to face the Guardians. What do you think about Judge’s response to the missed call?