Yankees News: Aaron Judge contract update | Highest paid position player in team history?

The New York Yankees, throughout history, are known for not being afraid to give away mammoth contracts to players if they feel that person can make a big difference in the team’s projected standings or, better yet, come playoffs time.

They made Reggie Jackson the highest-paid slugger of his time, they gave $120 million to Jason Giambi back in the day, they also gave millions to Hideki Matsui, Mark Teixeira, and, of course, Alex Rodriguez. But right fielder Aaron Judge has a good chance of being the Yankees’ highest paid position player in team history, at least in terms of average annual value (AAV).

It’s unlikely the team signs the soon-to-be 30 Judge to a contract worth as much as Giancarlo Stanton’s ($325 million), mainly because the latter was much younger when he put pen to paper back when he was a Marlins player. But Judge’s extension, if signed today, could surpass Stanton’s $25 million AAV and possibly even A-Rod’s $27.5 million AAV.

The Yankees have offered $225 million

While ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported today that an extension isn’t expected today barring a huge surprise, every indication is that the sides are close enough that any of them can make a concession, likely the Yankees, if they want to wrap up a deal before the player’s self-imposed Opening Day deadline.

Passan says the Yankees have offered a deal north of $225 million.

Judge, per Bryan Hoch of MLB, said to the media that “we’ll have an update for you guys. I’ve got a game to focus on right now. So if it happens, it happens.  If it doesn’t, I’ll see you guys after the game and we’ll talk about that.”

Judge remains the Yankees’ top offensive weapon and perhaps their best player overall. Last season, he slugged 39 home runs and drove in 98 runs while playing his customary good defense in right field.

There has been talk about Judge becoming the Yankees’ captain at some point. The team needs to make sure he is signed long-term, though.