![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-10-03T223504Z_656994252_MT1USATODAY16886680_RTRMADP_3_MLB-TAMPA-BAY-RAYS-AT-NEW-YORK-YANKEES.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) waves to the crowd after his game winning RBI single to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 and clinch a wildcard playoff spot at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-10-03T223504Z_656994252_MT1USATODAY16886680_RTRMADP_3_MLB-TAMPA-BAY-RAYS-AT-NEW-YORK-YANKEES.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) waves to the crowd after his game winning RBI single to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 and clinch a wildcard playoff spot at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Judge had a historic season this year, taking home the American League MVP award. In what was a season to remember, Judge had his best season yet. The reigning AL MVP led the New York Yankees to the top seed in the American League East, but they faltered in the postseason.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Yankees made it to the American League Championship Series but lost to eventual World Series winners in the Houston Astros. Judge broke the record for most Home Runs in the American League, hitting 62 of them. Notably, Judge doesn’t have his 62nd home run ball and surprisingly, the former Yankees slugger does not intend to get it back because of his free agency.
Why won’t Aaron Judge get his 62nd home run ball?
The fan who caught Judge’s record-breaking 62nd home run ball has put it up for auction. This means that if Judge wanted to get it back, he’d have to bid for it in what is going to be a very competitive auction. Per Bryan Hoch of MLB, Judge said this on bidding for the ball “Oh, no. I haven’t signed my free agent deal yet, so I think that’s a little out of my price range right now.”
In what is a huge market, the 62nd HR ball will likely be sold for upwards of $3.5 million, with some predicting it to go for much more. In that case, one can understand Judge’s reluctance to bid for the ball at the moment.
Sports memorabilia such as this ball are very hard to come by. It’s not every day that a home run record is broken. This makes it even more exciting that Judge’s 62nd home run ball is going to be auctioned. Aaron Judge has rightfully earned himself a place in the history books this season.
Will Judge stay with the Bronx?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Judge is currently a free agent and it will be interesting to see which team he signs with. Although he is most likely to stay with the New York Yankees, a move to another team is not impossible. In the end, it will depend on what deal the Yankees offer to their marquee player in 2022.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-22T022624Z_1276037579_MT1USATODAY16802253_RTRMADP_3_MLB-TEXAS-RANGERS-AT-NEW-YORK-YANKEES.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 21, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Notably, during 2022 spring training, Judge rejected a 7-year $213.5 million deal from the Yankees. And now, the team will have to do better than that to keep their MVP around.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Top 5 Most Electrifying Home Runs By New York Yankees Star Aaron Judge
The Yankees will be desperate to keep Judge around and will offer him a better contract. How much do you think the Yankees are going to offer Aaron Judge?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT