Football field goal posts near home plate at Yankee Stadium as the stadium prepares to host the Bad Boy Movers Pinstripe Bowl, a Dec. 29 game between the University of Minnesota and Syracuse University.
“Aaron is somebody that I know and respect and love and have been fighting together,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “So there’s that respect and the excitement of bringing back an iconic player. On the other hand, we’re bringing in a super talented guy (Rodon) that we’re still getting to know. It’s exciting in different ways.”
As the Yankees officially announced a new $360 million, nine-year contract, major league owner Hal Steinbrenner revealed that Judge will become the 16th captain in branch history. He said it in front of Derek Jeter, the last captain of the Bronx Bombers.
“It’s an honor I don’t take for granted,” the judge said. “I will continue to be the same leader as I have been for the last six years. He will lead by example. I know there are going to be a couple more responsibilities with this, but I’m here to walk you through every hurdle. I will continue to lead this team and this city to not just one, but many championships.”
The next day, it was Rhoden’s turn to hold a press conference. The Yankees have been targeting the left-hander for some time, including trying to trade the starter at this year’s trade deadline. The Giants decided not to trade him, but New York eventually sought his services.
“Winning is at the top of my list as a player,” Rhoden said. “We already know, it’s the ‘Yankee way.’ I’ve always enjoyed pitching at Yankee Stadium; I seem to have good numbers here. It’s special to put on these striped uniforms. There’s been a lot of legends in this system. There’s a lot of history here.”
With new contracts for Judge, Rhoden, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right-hander Tommy Conley, Steinbrenner emphasized that the Yankees are not done. The next area to focus on will be left field. New York general manager Brian Cashman is believed to have contacted the Pirates about trading outfielder Brian Reynolds, who requested a trade to Pittsburgh.
“For me, there’s always something else to do,” Cashman said. “These are important tasks and that task has already been done, but there is always more. Your team is never perfect until you win a championship.”
