USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) waves to the crowd after his game winning RBI single to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 and clinch a wildcard playoff spot at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) waves to the crowd after his game winning RBI single to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 and clinch a wildcard playoff spot at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Judge and his contract saga with the New York Yankees are finally taking an end, and for the better. Yes, the Yankees slugger is set to be a free agent after the 2022 season, as he rejected an extension offer from the Pinstripes.
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Judge and the New York Yankees are a match made in heaven. He has the passion and DNA that requires to be a perfect Yankees player. However, this might be his last season for The Bronx Bombers.
The reports also suggest that the Yankees did make a good long-term offer to their talisman. But, given his playing capabilities and leadership skills, it was not enough for Aaron Judge to sign the papers.
Aaron Judge wants to be a Yankee for life
2022 seems to be a curse for the New York Yankees. First, they didn’t make any notable signings in the 2022 free agency. And now they are set to lose probably their most valuable player.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 21, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Notably, the two parties could not agree upon an extension before the opening day. And with this, Judge will directly head to the season after the completion of the 2022 season. Addressing the media on Friday, Judge said that he won’t mind going to free agency. Because he’ll be able to negotiate with all 30 teams.
“I don’t mind going to free agency. It is what it is…,” Judge said. “I’ll talk to 30 teams. The Yankees will be one of those 30 teams… Like I said, we weren’t able to get it done. Now it’s on the baseball.”
Aaron Judge:
"I don't mind going to free agency. It is what it is… I'll talk to 30 teams. The Yankees will be one of those 30 teams. It's always nice to try to wrap something up sooner, the better. Like I said, we weren't able to get it done. Now it's on the baseball."
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) April 8, 2022
While the star right-fielder also admitted his love for the Yankees. And with no deal with the Yankees, Judge is disappointed.
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“I’m disappointed because I’ve been vocal that I want to be a Yankee for life and bring a championship back to New York… It stings but I’ve got a job to do on the field,” added Aaron Judge.
Aaron Judge on his contract extension talks with the #Yankees:
“I’m disappointed because I’ve been vocal that I want to be a Yankee for life and bring a championship back to New York … it stings but I’ve got a job to do on the field.” pic.twitter.com/51LpIQjh9i
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) April 8, 2022
The Yankees slugger rejected a $230 million deal
Meanwhile, the Yankees GM Brian Cashman revealed that the organization offered a very lucrative deal to Judge. As per ESPN, The Yankees offered a seven-year deal worth $213.5 million to Judge. And $17 million in his arbitration year.
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Now, it’ll be interesting to see for which team Judge will play the next season.
Written by
Edited by
Simar Singh Wadhwa