Aaron Judge did not agree to an extension with the New York Yankees before the season and building his case to be one of the highest-paid players in baseball when he hits free agency.
Or if he hits free agency.
While the Yankees, and other ballclubs and players, tend not to negotiate extensions during the season, Judge appeared to leave the door open about going back to the negotiating table this season during an interview on Sunday Night Baseball before their game against the Red Sox.
“Didn’t get [an extension] done and now it’s the easy part: focus on playing baseball. … We’ll handle all that other stuff later,” Judge said. “If we figure it out before the year ends, that’d be great. But I still got great communication with all the Yankee brass. They’re great. It’s been a privilege playing here the past six seasons, and I’m looking forward to hopefully some more.”
Judge, 30, turned down an offer of seven years, $213.5 million starting in 2023, an annual average of $30.5 million per year. Mike Trout, who is on a 12-year, $226.5 million contract, averages $35.5 million a year — the highest-paid positional player.
Judge reportedly wants Trout-type money. He has 30 home runs and is part of the MVP conversation in the first half of the season. If he continues that pace, wins an MVP and even leads the Yankees to a World Series, well, it would be tough for the Bombers not to give him what he wants.
Then again, Freddie Freeman played a similar game with the Atlanta Braves last year and was unable to get a deal done with the team, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead.
The Yankees would also have to be willing to revisit negotiations mid-season. Perhaps there’s a chance something could get done. But it feels more likely that Judge’s future will remain uncertain heading into the offseason.
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