The season of Aaron Judge was defined by a single number: 62.
His offseason will be defined by a significantly bigger number, and it may not be long before that number is known.
With the MLB Winter Meetings commencing in San Diego on Sunday, Judge’s market is beginning to take shape. ESPN claimed on Wednesday that the Yankees have made an offer “in the vicinity” of $300 million over eight years for the right fielder. This reflected other recent rumors, like Jon Heyman’s report from last week for The Post, that the Yankees are “believed to have $300 million or more on the table” for Judge.
This sum might climb if the Giants engage in a bidding war for the market’s most wanted free agent.
According to baseball insiders unaffiliated with Judge or the Yankees, this sum is anticipated to increase, particularly if a third team becomes involved.
One AL official stated, “The $300 million estimate has been floating about, and that’s what you would expect for a player with his skills and everything else he brings to the table.” “And I wouldn’t be surprised if a third team is already competing to push up the price.”
Even at eight years and $300 million, Judge’s contract would surpass Trout’s and make him the highest-paid position player, with $37.5 million per season compared to Trout’s $35.5 million per season.
Judge began the season by rejecting a seven-year, $213.5 million extension offer from the Yankees. He then broke Roger Maris’ American League home run record, led the league in RBIs and runs, and was named AL MVP.
Judge, 30, is younger than Trout by less than a year and played 157 games in 2022. Since 2019, Trout has not appeared in more than 119 games.
A player representative stated, “I believe [Judge] would have earned more than [$213.5 million] even with a phenomenally healthy season.” “However, when you combine it with everything else — MVP, [home run] record, and being the face of baseball — I’d anticipate at least $300 million.”
The Yankees have expressed their desire to keep Judge in the Bronx in an extremely vocal manner. Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner, stated at the November owners’ meetings that he was inclined to increase Judge’s salary.
Regarding the payroll, Steinbrenner noted, “We know where we stand.” I can assure you that this will not deter us.
Steinbrenner and Judge have already had multiple conversations this summer, including a face-to-face discussion during which Steinbrenner emphasized Judge’s significance to the franchise.
The Yankees are optimistic about Judge’s future with the franchise that selected him in the first round in 2013.
“I do believe he wants to be a Yankee,” Steinbrenner stated. I believe we have a nice thing going here.
The Dodgers, another prospective landing point, have significant contracts expiring, including those of Trea Turner, Craig Kimbrel, and David Price.
However, as of Wednesday, the Dodgers’ intention to enter the Judge contest was unknown.
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