It’s hard to imagine Aaron Judge wearing any other uniform than the Yankee pinstripes, but if he and the Yanks aren’t able to lock down a contract extension before Opening Day (whenever that will be), fans in New York may have to prepare for life without their face of the franchise.
Talking with Ryan Ruocco and CC Sabathia on the latest R2C2 podcast, Judge seemed to indicate that he would like an extension to be signed before the start of the 2022 season, and if not, it could very well mean the end of his tenure in New York.
“Whatever happens,” Judge said. “If we get an extension done at some point before the season starts, that’d be great, and I’d be completely honored to wear pinstripes a couple more years. But if it doesn’t happen and this is my last year, I had a lot of great memories. And it doesn’t matter if it’s my last year or first year, I’m going to go out there and play my best and do what I need to do for the city and do what I need to do for the team.
"But it’s all in God’s hands. It’s going to work out the way it’s supposed to. I’ve got agents, and I’ve got people taking care of me. I’m not even worried.”
Judge has been a fan-favorite in the Bronx since his breakout rookie season in 2017, when he nearly led the Bombers to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Since then, he has been one of the best all-around players in the game when on the field. Last season was his third All-Star selection after missing significant time in each of the previous three seasons. But he was healthy last year, playing in 148 games and hitting 39 home runs while posting a .916 OPS. Across his career, he holds a .940 OPS while playing elite outfield defense. He also holds an impressive .840 OPS in his playoff career.
But Judge is set to enter his final year of arbitration and become a free agent next winter at the age of 30, unless he and the Yankees can agree to a deal. That will have to wait until the lockout ends, but if it takes too long, Judge could be on his way out.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play for the best organization out of all of them. Who wants to go anywhere else?” Judge said. “I don’t have to worry. I got people taking care of the business side of it. I got a job to do on the field."
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