From marriage to contract drama to breaking records for the Yankees, look inside Aaron Judge’s incredible year

It’s safe to say that 2022 has been good to Aaron Judge.

The 30-year-old New York Yankees right fielder could be placed on one of the most lucrative deals ever in MLB after a remarkable season.

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Judge has always been a phenomenal talent, but his exploits this campaign have propelled him to legendary status in the Bronx.

He has reportedly agreed a nine-year, $360 million deal to remain with the Yankees after becoming a free agent.

The 6ft 7 hitter is now a worldwide star after breaking Roger Maris’ home run record in the American League.

Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season on Oct. 4, beating the famous record Maris has held since 1961.

And it comes in a year that has changed his life both on and off the field.

Judge — a native of California — celebrated the end of 2021 in style when he married his longtime partner Samantha Bracksieck.

Their December wedding in Hawaii was a simple affair reserved for only close friends and family.

It ended months of speculation after Bracksieck was spotted with an engagement ring earlier in the summer.

The couple first met in their teens, both attending Linden High School in San Joaquin, California.

They would later attend California State University together, and their romance blossomed when Judge’s fledgling baseball career took him to the Big Apple.

Judge is very private about his personal life, and Bracksieck stays off social media.

The outfielder returned to the rigors of an MLB season from Hawaii in February and knew he would be given a free hand in November.

But he couldn’t agree to an extension in the Bronx after the organization’s offer of a seven-year, $213.5 million deal fell through.

Eight months later, numerous MLB insiders are touting Judge’s new prize at around $320 million.

Judge helped the Yankees get off to a terrific start in the AL East, with his combination of presence and power on the plate making him a constant threat.

While his teammates got on form, the powerful right fielder has more or less maintained a steady stream of home runs all season.

“IT’S A BIG RELIEF”

With that, the Yanks secured a postseason berth after winning the AL East.

The judge told reporters after breaking his record as the 62nd homer of the season, “It’s a huge relief.

“Finally everyone can sit down and follow the ball game.

“It’s been a fun ride so far to get the chance to do this. You know, with the team, we have the guys around me.

“The constant support of my family who have been with me through this whole thing is.

“To get the chance to have my name next to someone as great as Roger Maris and Babe Ruth and those guys is amazing.”

His record is in the bag and his contract looks set to follow.

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