Fans and analysts aren’t the only ones who see Aaron Judge’s value to the New York Yankees and what he brings to the team. Even current Yankee players have spoken out about Judge’s contributions and the legacy he’s built in the Bronx.
One of Judge’s best friends on the team, Anthony Rizzo, stated how the superstar slugger has earned every penny of his future contract extension. Whether that be with the Yankees or another club, there’s no arguing against his value, considering the Yankees might’ve missed the playoffs without him this season.
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Star pitcher Nestor Cortés is just yet another player to speak out on Judge’s production and his desire to keep him in pinstripes for the future.
“He’s a big part of this organization. It’s an organization that drafted him. He’s been here for a long time. He carries a lot of weight around here. He’s a superstar. Hopefully — that’s a decision that he has to make and that the ball club has to make. Hopefully he’s back next year and he’s a New York Yankee.”
Per NJ.com
The Yankees can’t replicate Aaron Judge’s stats:
Judge posted a .311 average with a 42.5% on-base rate this past season with 62 homers and 131 RBIs. He also stole 16 bases, the first time he reached double digits in that category during his career. He also posted a 25.1% strikeout rate and a 15.9% walk rate.
Even if his 2023 metrics meet in the middle between the 2021 and 22 seasons, it will be well worth extending him on a massive deal. Not only is he loved in the clubhouse, but he carried the Yankees’ offense for significant stretches during the regular season.
While Aaron struggled during the playoffs, as did most of the Yankee team, there’s no questioning his effort and desire to win a World Series with his career-long team. He’s been playing with the Bombers since 2016, and he expressed his desire to stay despite rumors indicating the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets could enter the sweepstakes.
However, given Cortes is locked in until becoming a free agent in 2026, retaining the team’s best player is obviously a priority for every holdover talent.