Aaron Judge has single-handedly led the New York Yankees to an incredible 64-28 record this season before the All-Star break. The four-time MVP has dominated the league with the most 33 home runs this season with an average of .284 and 70 RBI. The 30-year-old also received the most votes for the outfielder position at the All-Star game in 2022 and is an early contender for the MVP. However, his contract with the Yankees will expire at the end of the season.
The Bombers offered a seven-year, $213.4million contract for Judge before the start of the season. However, the two-time Silver Slugger demanded a $36.5million per year salary, equivalent to position player Mike Trout. Sadly, the Yankees failed to convince Judge to sign an extension as he heads to free agency at the end of the year. However, the Yankees still have a chance to extend the outfielder as he has agreed to a mid-season discussion.
In his seven years in the major league, Aaron Judge has secured top five of the MVP voting twice in his career. He also leads the major league in home runs for the second season and averages 27 homers per 162-game season. The Yankees outfielder came over his injury concerns and played 148 games last season. In addition, Aaron has missed only three games in 2022. Thus, the Bombers might have missed a trick in signing Judge. This is because his value has increased substantially as a result of his amazing form this year.
Could The Yankees Convince Aaron Judge To Stay?
Aaron Judge recently shared his perspective on potential extension talks with the Pinstripers. The 2017 AL Rookie of the Year revealed that the money and contract had never been the reason why he plays MLB. He shared that he wanted to play for the Yankees and be with the franchise for a long time.
Thus, while it could prove to be costly for the Yankees, they still have a chance of making Judge stay for the future. However, whether Aaron stays or not, he is bound to become one of the highest-paid MLB players as he heads to free agency after the season. After rejecting the extension offer in April, Judge told that he was highly disappointed as he had been vocal about being with the Yankees for life.
Judge Wants The Yankees To Bid For Washington’s Juan Soto
Aaron Judge recently discussed the potential of the nationals’ hitter Juan Solo. The 30-year-old believes that Soto would help his team win a lot of ball games wherever he goes. Judge shared that he would hate to see the 2-time All-Star go to a team that the Bombers might have to face during the upcoming games. He added, “It would be fun to see him be in New york to be wherever he wants to be.”
The Nationals are looking to trade Soto after he rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract offer. The 23-year-old finished top 10 in the National League MVP voting in the last three seasons. He also helped the Nationals with the 2019 World Series, hitting .250/.405/.497 with 20 homers and 43 RBI in 2022.