Free agent slugger Aaron Judge is preparing to decide on his future with the winter meetings starting this upcoming weekend. The New York Yankees are heavily in the mix, presenting a new offer to the 30-year-old.
General manager Brian Cashman has presented an eight-year, $300 million contract, which would pay Judge $37.5 million per season to remain a Yankee for the foreseeable future. Of course, Judge is buying his time and waiting patiently to try and maximize any prospective offers. He recently met with the San Francisco Giants out west, and with the Giants looking to continue spending in free agency to build their roster out, Judge may see them as a preferable destination.
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However, two MLB insiders have now confirmed that the Yankees’ offer is eight years and $300 million. YES Network’s Jack Curry confirmed it earlier this week, and now Jeff Passan of ESPN is also reporting a similar number.
“You have to believe the deal is probably a 8-year deal in the 300 million dollar range. That is where I think we stand. I think the Yankees are hopeful [Judge] will be their right fielder in 2023.”
Per Jack Curry of YES Network
The Yankees need to get the deal done now:
This contract would pay Judge $2 million more than Mike Trout on a yearly basis but falls short of the 11-year, $426.5 million extension the Los Angeles Angels presented to Trout. Unfortunately, Judge is 30 years old and if he were a few years younger, the conversation might’ve been different regarding longevity and maximum commitment.
However, hitting .311 with a 42.5% on-base rate, including 62 HRs and 131 RBI certainly justifies the deal he’s about to get. Hopefully, the Yankees can get it done soon so they can continue strategizing around this off-season instead of waiting for Judge to make a decision.