Before the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their Week 13 Monday Night Football game, MLB free-agent outfielder Aaron Judge was seen on the sidelines.
Judge took the time to talk to Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, chatting it up with the legendary quarterback in the tunnel as Brady was walking out.
American League MVP @thejudge44 in the house and repping @MikeEvans13 🙌
📺: #NOvsTB — 8:15pm ET on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/61o9pQEjou pic.twitter.com/5stjBAQsAF— NFL (@NFL) December 6, 2022
.@TheJudge44 🤝 @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/W2hgPbNLTV
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 6, 2022
There has been a ton of speculation as to where Judge will sign this offseason.
While the New York Yankees are obviously contenders to bring him back, there have been reports that suggest the San Francisco Giants are also real contenders to sign the veteran slugger.
This video of Judge’s appearance at the game has only led to even more speculation about Judge’s final decision, which could be coming within a matter of days.
Everyone seeing Aaron Judge in Tampa at the Bucs game while the MLB Winter Meetings are happening pic.twitter.com/KthyIEivXd
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 6, 2022
Aaron Judge is hanging out at the Bucs game ahead of his arrival at the Winter Meetings tomorrow⚾️👀
(via. @JennaLaineESPN) pic.twitter.com/uANMEedxLJ— Sportskeeda Baseball (@sportskeeda_mlb) December 6, 2022
Aaron Judge is here in Tampa 👀pic.twitter.com/IT1gTI5g2t
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) December 6, 2022
The hottest free agent on the market…Aaron Judge in the building for some MNF pic.twitter.com/LheXtTmAz3
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) December 6, 2022
Godwin, Evans, Julio Jones, now Aaron Judge? How much help could Tom Brady possibly need pic.twitter.com/YCcwEwv3bf
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 6, 2022
While the Tampa Bay Rays are likely not a real contender to sign Judge, some jokingly added that this could mean that he has an interest in joining the Rays this offseason.
Aaron Judge to the Rays confirmed https://t.co/G8v6F1a4SU
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) December 6, 2022
DOES THIS MEAN THE RAYS ARE A MYSTERY TEAM? lol
— Matt Villano (@mattvillano) December 6, 2022
This is likely just Judge wanting to support Tom Brady and Mike Evans, but this could actually be a positive sign for the Yankees.
The Yankees Spring Training facility is notably right next door to the Buccaneers’ stadium, meaning that it is possible that Judge spent time at the facility earlier on Monday.
Aaron Judge is in Tampa for Monday Night Football, right next door to the Yankees Spring Training facility
(via @JennaLaineESPN) pic.twitter.com/pnMcYlds1G
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 6, 2022
Regardless, it is certainly weird timing to be going to an NFL game considering MLB’s Winter Meetings are going on across the country, in San Diego.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Monday that he “has not been informed” about Judge potentially arriving in San Diego this week.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman says “we’re still talking” with Aaron Judge’s reps and has made multiple offers over this free agent period. Has not been informed about Judge arriving in San Diego this week as reported by @BryanHoch “It’s his dance,” Cash said of Judge.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) December 6, 2022
For the time being it seems like Aaron Judge is focused on enjoying some football on Monday night amidst all the speculation.
[NFL.com]