Why Aaron Judge wore a Mike Evans jersey before Buccaneers-Saints — and maybe why he visited Tampa, too

Joe Rivera

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Why Aaron Judge wore a Mike Evans jersey before Buccaneers-Saints — and maybe why he visited Tampa, too image

Consider it a professional courtesy.

With the MLB Winter Meetings in full swing, free-agent slugger Aaron Judge is the biggest name on the open market. Coincidentally, Judge wasn't in San Diego on Monday night — he was in Tampa, Fla., taking in the Buccaneers-Saints "Monday Night Football" matchup.

Judge's appearance at Raymond James Stadium is notable for a couple reasons. No. 1 is that he was wearing a Mike Evans jersey. 

MORE: MLB Winter Meetings — Latest rumors, signings and more in San Diego

And there was a reason Judge was wearing an Evans jersey: The Tampa Bay wide receiver wore a Judge Yankees jersey when the outfielder broke the AL home run record in the closing days of the 2022 regular season. Judge was returning the favor.

The second reason Judge's visit to Tampa is notable: the city is home to the Yankees' spring training facility and general base of operations away from New York City. The Steinbrenner family has also had houses in Tampa, and team owner Hal Steinbrenner recently met with Judge. How recent is something of a question.

MORE: Updates, highlights of Saints-Bucs

Adding another layer to Judge's appearance: Eileen Tauchman, wife of MLB outfielder Mike Tauchman, was in the group behind Judge following him out of the tunnel. Judge and Tauchman were teammates in New York between 2019 and 2021, but Tauchman spent time in San Francisco in '21. 

With the San Francisco Giants being one of the most aggressive pursuers of Judge, that certainly puts another slant on Judge's appearance in Tampa. 

Judge's free-agent decision is expected to come down in the coming days, with the Yankees and Giants most connected to his choice. The Dodgers have also checked in on Judge, per reports.

However, it must be said: No, Rays fans, Judge is not signing with your team. Sorry about that.

Joe Rivera

Joe Rivera Photo

Joe Rivera is in his seventh year with The Sporting News, handling NFL, MLB and some things pro wrestling. A proud-ish Rutgers University graduate, Rivera combines a new-school flair with an old-school soul. He loves dingers, wrestling, comic books, movies, music and really bad puns. He is also a card-carrying BBWAA member and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater.

You can find him and tweet him @JoeRiveraSN, if you're into that sort of thing.