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Yankees Star Aaron Judge Announces Birth Of 1st Child

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 1:58 PM ET

Aaron Judge announced major offseason news on Wednesday.

The New York Yankees superstar revealed that he and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their first child. Samantha Bracksieck gave birth to Nora Rose Judge on Jan. 27.

"What an incredible week it's been," Judge wrote on Instagram alongside a black and white picture of the newborn's feet. "Can't wait for the memories the three of us make."

Two days before Nora's birth, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America held an awards dinner. Judge revealed the upcoming family addition in a video accepting his second AL MVP honor of the last three seasons.

"I'm truly humbled to be accepting the 2024 AL MVP Award," Judge said. "I want to start by apologizing for missing the awards dinner this evening. However my wife, Samantha, and I are expecting our first child any day and, unfortunately, could not make it."

Judge won the award unanimously after hitting .322/.458/.701 with an MLB-leading 58 home runs and 144 RBI. He posted the highest OPS and WAR of his career despite setting an American League record with 62 home runs in 2022.

Following his first MVP campaign, Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million contract to stay with the Yankees. Hip and toe injuries limited him to 2023, but he justified the massive deal when leading the Bronx Bombers to an AL pennant last year.

Judge struggled in the playoffs, batting 9-for-49 with 11 walks, three home runs, and 20 strikeouts. He dropped a routine fly ball during New York's fifth-inning meltdown in Game 5's World Series elimination loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees have since watched star outfielder Juan Soto go crosstown to sign a record-setting deal with the Mets. However, they've reloaded for a 2025 run by acquiring former MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, ace Max Fried, and closer Devin Williams.

Of course, none of those additions can top the one Judge announced Wednesday. Congratulations to Judge and Bracksieck on their newest arrival.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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