The historic performance of Aaron Judge makes him the most sought-after player in the 2022 Major League season. As he is set to become a free agent after this season, the Yankees are likely to face stiff competition from several cash-rich franchises to retain him. While the Giants are likely to offer a big deal to him, Judge’s praising of the Red Sox has raised the expectations of fans in Boston.
But is he really interested to move to Boston? Can the Red Sox, which ranks No. 3 in the Forbes list of richest MLB clubs, come up with a big offer to entice away Judge?
Aaron now has 57 homers with Yankees are to play 20 games until the season ends. The slugger is on pace to surpass Roger Moris’ 61 in the 1961 season and may reach 65 homers this season.
Another thing to think about is that Judge will be a free agent at the end of the season. He and the Yankees couldn’t agree on a contract extension before Opening Day, and he’s having what could be the best year on a single-season contract in sports history. This means that questions will be asked about his future, even if he doesn’t hit a home run.
Baseball fans cheered Judge’s achievements that were on showcase at Boston’s Fenway Park on Tuesday, and he was asked if he would be interested in signing there.
In the style of a true gentleman, Judge praised the fans and ambiance in Boston and replied with his trademark smile:
“Ooh,. We’ll talk about that at the end of the year. It’s the best, they’re some of the best in baseball. They’re going to boo you, they’re going to say some things, they’re going to make you laugh. It’s all part of it. A lot of great history here, and this is one of the best places to play, so it’s always fun going out there and trying to put on a show for them.”
While Red Sox fans get a boost expecting the slugger in their team, the competition for Judge is likely to increase.
Also, he will soon be a free agent, and the Red Sox are one of the baseball teams with the most money. Why would he just take them off the table when they might be a bidder, who makes someone else’s offer higher? That just wouldn’t be good for a player at his best.
But he is the one who never openly talks about contracts. You should know that Judge is a nice guy in interviews and doesn’t like to make waves. He’s just not like that.
It doesn’t seem like the Red Sox are ready for Judge right now. The California-born player is older than right field star Mookie Betts, who the Red Sox traded after their World Series victory because they were in no mood to pay a big amount to him. J.D. Martinez is going to be a free agent, and Xander Bogaerts is likely to opt out and could sign with another team. Rafael Devers will be a free agent in a year, so they have to decide what to do. Nathan Eovaldi, Rich Hill, and Michael Wacha are also going to be free agents, so the rotation needs a lot of thought.
Still, if the Red Sox plans for a big overhaul during an active offseason, Judge could become their main target. This is going to hurt the Yankees.
Will the Red Sox make a bid for Aaron Judge? Will the Yankees allow their most prolific hitter to leave?
