Contract talks between Aaron Judge and the Yankees are on hold until the offseason after the slugger turned down a seven-year deal worth nearly $213.5 million.
Judge’s decision left many wondering: what would it have taken for the three-time All-Star to commit before Opening Day?
According to NJ.com’s Brendan Kuty, Judge “refused” to go below a nine-year extension, and wanted more than the $30.5 million per year. A nine-year extension would take Judge to nearly 40 years old, as he is set to turn 30 this month.
Another report, from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, says that Judge's camp countered the Yankees' offer with a nine or 10-year deal at $36 million per year, which would match teammate Gerrit Cole's AAV (the report also says that "someone close to Judge" denied that counteroffer).
As for the $30.5 million, that would be a lower AAV than recent stars who signed new contracts, like Corey Seager and Carlos Correa, both of whom have their own injury concerns like Judge. But Judge is clearly betting on himself in 2022, determined to show that he can stay healthy long term. His production when healthy has never been in question, as he has been one of the most valuable players in the game when on the field.
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