While the New York Yankees are in the midst of their postseason hunt, power-hitting outfielder Aaron Judge awaits his free agency market to follow his record-setting 2022 campaign.
Jon Heyman, an MLB writer for The New York Post, revealed what sources across the league have been saying about Judge's impending free agency after setting the all-time American League home run record, which previously stood for 61 years, with 62 blasts.
"He certainly will clear $300 million," an MLB executive said, according to Heyman. "But is he closer to $400 million than $300 million? Maybe. He's that important to the wealthiest team."
After spending his first seven big league seasons with the Yankees, which have included six playoff appearances, the 30-year-old veteran has already been linked to the San Francisco Giants, who after going .500 at 81-81 for the year and missing postseason contention are expected to pursue Judge.
"If the Giants are at $370 million and the Yankees $330 million, he'd be crazy to leave the Yankees," the executive said.
As far as the estimated figures for Judge, who is currently earning $19 million for the year to avoid arbitration, he has a soon-to-be massive extension in the works, according to league sources.
Here's what Heyman wrote:
The exec's prediction is in line with agents polled.
Agent 1: $350M; $400M max.
Agent 2: $315M-$360M.
Agent 3: Eight times $37.5M for $300M.
Agent 4: $300M announced ($277M with deferrals).
Before the season began, the Yankees reportedly presented Judge with a contract extension offer worth $213.5 million through seven years. However, that offer was rejected. Wise decision? Hard to blame Judge's negotiation tactics considering his response on the field.
The highly-anticipated impact on Judge's stock price will have to wait with the Yankees currently leading the Cleveland Guardians, 1-0, in their best-of-five ALDS series.
