The New York Yankees are preparing to negotiate against Aaron Judge during Wednesday’s arbitration hearings, which could either net the star slugger $21 million this season or $17 million if things don’t go his way.
This will impact the Yankees’ flexibility at the trade deadline, opening up $10 million or $6 million depending on the results of the hearing. However, that is not even the big financial situation general manager Brian Cashman has to worry about, it’s the monster extension that is coming up for Judge, who is leading the race for an MVP this year.
- Yankees’ veteran infielder has rehab assignment delayed after MRI revealed lack of healing
- Yankees place hard-throwing reliever on 15-day IL with hip injury
- Yankees preparing to make superstar ‘top priority’ in free agency next off-season
Judge is having a big year for the Yankees:
Over 66 games played, Judge features a .300 average with 25 homers and 50 RBIs. His 24.9% strikeout rate is nearly 5% below his career average, and he’s walking at 11.8%, matching his 2021 number. Judge currently leads the MLB in home runs, posting a 61.2% hard-hit rate and 25.7% barrel rate, both career highs. His 95.7 mph exit velocity and 12.2 launch angle have helped him tremendously in getting the ball out of the park quickly.
However, the Yankees aren’t the only ones watching Judge dominate this year. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, a number of MLB could inquire about his services during free agency.
Olney listed seven teams that could steal Judge away, including the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox.
Judge heading to the Mets or Red Sox would be a huge slap in the face for Yankee management, but we can assume they won’t let that happen given the intense rivalries.
Even so, if the Yankees end up winning the World Series this year, letting Aaron leave in free agency would be a disaster. Judge has already turned down a seven-year deal were $30.5 million per season, seeking a deal upward of $35 million per year. He would likely see his wishes come to fruition, especially with owners like Steve Cohen willing to pay the maximum.