Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees are a match for each other. But things can change after the 2022 MLB season. Notably, Judge is playing in the last year of his contract. And if he does not sign an extension with the Pinstripes in the 2023 free agency, this might be his last season in the Bronx.

Recently, the Yankees’ owner, Hal Steinbrenner, discussed the contract negotiation with Aaron Judge. Over the last few years, Judge has emerged as the much-needed leader of the pack. In terms of leadership, Judge is probably the only one who has come close to the legacy of former Yankees captain Derek Jeter. If he signs the extension, the Yankees might also name him their next captain.

Steinbrenner openly discussed whether the management wants to retain their talisman or they would let him go for a different franchise. It is not that the Yankees did not offer a new contract to Judge. When the Yankees GM Brian Cashman offered a $210.5 million deal, Judge politely rejected it and preferred to enter free agency.

The Yankees’ owner on Aaron Judge

Earlier this year, when Aaron Judge declined a renewal offer from the Yankees, almost every baseball fan criticized him. But now it seems like Judge had everything figured out. And currently, when he is going through his career-best form, every MLB franchise is crazy to sign him.

And it will not be a surprise if Judge will end up getting a $50 million per year deal. Talking about their proposal, Steinbrenner said that the management proposed an excellent offer.

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“We made an offer that I feel was a very good one. It was based on the numbers, of course, but it was also based, in part, on what he means to the organization. It was a combination of both. And we just didn’t get a deal done,” Steinbrenner said.

Steinbrenner has “no regrets”

The Yankees’ owner also clarified that he has no regrets so far. And when the season gets over, they will talk again.

“We had less time [to negotiate] this offseason than we normally would because of the lockout,” Steinbrenner said. “There are no regrets. We’re gonna be having discussions at some point. Aaron is a great Yankee, and he is very valuable to the organization. He’s an outstanding leader. Obviously, he’s performed extremely well this year, which we’re all thrilled about.”

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Now, the major problem is that the Yankees will not be the only ones negotiating a contract. Judge will be open to offers from every MLB franchise. Only time will tell where Aaron Judge will play his next season.