The New York Yankees need to splash big to keep Aaron Judge and improve on their pre-Opening Day contract offer by at least $100 million. The slugger, who leads MLB in home runs and on a record chase, turns a free agent after this season.
YES Network announcer Michael Kay warned the Yankees on Wednesday that they had to substantially increase their last offer. New York president Randy Levine is hopeful of fending off competition to sign away Judge. Kay asked the Yankees to match their words to their action.
Kay told:
“If the Yankees are not going to give $100M more than their last offer, Judge won’t be here.”
Judge remains a hot target for cash-rich teams following his performance this season. While the Giants may come up with an offer after the season, the third-richest franchise Red Sox are another potential suitor.
You may remember that Judge turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million deal before the season started. He will go back on the market after the 2022 World Series.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan claims that the contract the 30-year-old signing with his next-season team may go up to $300 million.
According to him, Judge carries a contract value of more than $300 million this coming winter. The question now is whether or not the New York Yankees will be the team to award it to him.
The judge is in the midst of an incredible season. With 57 home runs, he is currently in first place in Major League Baseball and is well on his way to breaking Roger Maris’ club and American League record of 61 home runs, which the former Yankee established in 1961.
The American League MVP frontrunner Judge also leads the majors with 123 RBI and is tied for third in the American League with a career-high batting average of .310, which puts the Triple Crown within reach for the player who is currently in the lead for the American League MVP award. First baseman Luis Arraez of the Minnesota Twins is currently in first place with a batting average of .320.
As the Yankees travel to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for the first game of a three-game series on Friday, Judge will continue his assault on the record books by hitting another home run.
Do you think Aaron Judge is worth $300 million? Will the Yankees be able to retain him with a $313 million deal?
