Aaron Judge finds extra motivation in tweet praising Rafael Devers

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge’s Twitter activity suggests he’s all over the AL MVP chase, and used a take on Rafael Devers to motivate himself.

Judge is always listening.

The Yankees star bet on himself before the season, turning down a $300 million-plus contract offer. That looks like a wise decision so far, as Judge is hitting over .280 with 29 home runs. He’s No. 1 in most AL MVP Power Rankings, and rightly so.

Even with Yordan Alvarez and Rafael Devers breathing down his neck, Judge has set out what he came to accomplish — prove just how important he can be to the Bronx Bombers. New York has the best record in baseball and then some.

The individual accolades are nice, too.

Aaron Judge takes notice of Rafael Devers

The conversation in the tweet above isn’t necessarily about this year’s MVP chase, but rather which player isa better investment long-term. Given Devers is a little younger, it’s not surprising to see Will Middlebrooks go for that option.

Judge is 30, while Devers is just 25 years old. Judge has been injury-prone at points in his career, which speaks to the Yankees fear of signing him to a long-term contract. Devers, meanwhile, can be durable. His value is also through the roof because of his age and production.

But there’s plenty Devers can learn from Judge. Namely, it’s how he’s handled his contract negotiations. Judge and the Yankees rarely took shots through the media, despite all of this taking place in New York, where tabloids run amuck.

Devers would be wise to do the same. Keep most conversations behind closed doors, if possible. Use the media as a tool, rather than an opportunity to take shots.

And above all else, Devers would be wise to bet on himself. If Boston doesn’t pay him the money, surely another organization will. In similar fashion to Judge and the Yankees, the Red Sox could find this out the hard way.