Aaron Judge will remain with the New York Yankees after agreeing to a mammoth nine-year deal worth $360m (£295m), sources confirmed to ESPN.
Judge became a free agent after his previous deal expired, and the MVP snubbed an initial approach from the Yankees to extend his contract. The most in-demand players across the league has since been linked to the San Francisco Giants, but he's remained loyal to his organisation.
It was a historic year for Judge as he broke the American league record for single home-runs in a season (62) surpassing one Roger Maris who hit 61 in 1961. He's been vastly rewarded, and will now focus his future on the Yankees once more.
Judge's big season came after he failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Yankees. Their general manager Brian Cashman revealed that the final extension offer was a seven-year $213.5m (£175m), but they've now increased their offer and secured Judge once more.
It was always expected that the Yankees would table a larger offer, especially when interest flooded in from elsewhere. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he was intent on making sure Judge was a 'Yankee for life' and met with the the MVP in Tampa to discuss new terms.
Cashman also agreed new terms recently, as the manager signed a four-year extension with the Yankees. Cashman was extremely keen to bring Judge back in, making it their priority this winter.
"We'd love to have our player back," Cashman said Monday. "We would love to continue to call him our player every step of the way as he follows what looks like, as long as nothing happens, a career path that will lead him to Cooperstown.
"I would like him to be in pinstripes every step of the way," he added. And Cashman has got his wish just days later, as Judge has agreed to the mammoth deal ending the most talked about potential trade in MLB.
Judge has initially worried Yankees fans as he paid a visit to California, with the Giants constantly linked with bringing the star back to his hometown. But Judge revealed he was "just visiting family and friends" upon his return, although talks were still rumoured.
