One of baseball’s biggest stars is opening up about the high-stakes decision that could’ve changed everything—possibly for the worse. In a recent interview with USA Today, the Yankees’ powerhouse revealed that while he received lucrative offers from both the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, his heart never left the Bronx. Despite the temptation, he chose loyalty over a change of scenery, ultimately inking a nine-year, $360 million deal to stay in New York.
Looking back on the intense contract negotiations before the 2022 season, the slugger admitted he’s relieved with how things played out. “This is where I always wanted to be, especially after getting drafted here,” he said. “But if I had signed with the Padres or Giants, it could be a little different. I might have been getting booed like [Juan] Soto.” The remark comes as Soto, now with the Yankees, has faced his share of scrutiny from fans during his career.
The outfielder’s decision wasn’t just about personal gain. He emphasized the importance of balancing his worth with the team’s ability to build a winning roster. “Really, for me, it was all about getting a fair deal for what I thought I was worth, while still putting the team in a good position to sign who we need,” he explained. That balance appears to be paying dividends for both the player and the franchise.
So far this season, the Bronx superstar has been nothing short of dominant. With a blazing .391 batting average, a .485 on-base percentage, 21 home runs, and 50 RBIs, he’s once again proving why he’s the face of the franchise. His leadership and performance continue to anchor the Yankees as they push for another postseason run.
While other big names around the league deal with criticism and second-guessing, this slugger is standing tall in the city that never sleeps. His loyalty to the pinstripes—and his awareness of how different things might have been—paint a picture of a player who made the right call at exactly the right time.
