Who Is Most Likely to Sign Judge?

As the New York Yankees’ season comes to an unfortunate close in the playoffs, it is time for them to make a decision about their star slugger, Aaron Judge, who played a crucial part in getting them to the postseason.

At the beginning of the 2022 season, the Yankees offered Judge a seven-year extension worth $213.5 million. Angering some fans, the outfielder turned down the contract. By refusing the extension, Judge was betting on himself in his walk year.

Judge’s decision proved to be the right one due to his incredible offensive breakout. The 6’7″ right fielder ended his season with a .311 batting average, along with 62 home runs, not only breaking the franchise record but also the American League record.

Rejecting the Yankee’s proposal of a seven-year contract was a bold move by Judge. However, his decision will likely give him a more lucrative contract, possibly paying up to $300 million. 

Because of his absurd performance at the plate this season, the Yankees won’t be the only team trying to make a move on Judge. The real question is, which organizations are willing and able to pay Judge the money he deserves?

Top 5 Candidates to Bid on Judge

5. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are seeking a major bounce-back season in 2023 after finishing last in the AL East. Boston is likely losing two of their best contributors on their roster this offseason, shortstop Xander Bogaerts and veteran outfielder J.D. Martinez. If they do let go of both players as predicted, the Red Sox will have a massive void to fill. Although it is quite unlikely, if Boston’s general manager Brian O’Halloran were to make a deal with Judge, the team would gain some confidence and have a better chance at competing in their division with Judge as their leader.

4. New York Mets

New York played good baseball in 2022 until their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves, took first place in the NL East, which led to a short postseason for the Mets. New York already has a lineup that any pitcher would dread facing. Imagine their potential if they added Judge to the batting order. The Mets have plenty of money to work with if they wanted to pursue Judge, but would the outfielder really betray the Yankees by moving across town? Many would say no. It seems that Judge desires to play for a winning team, and due to the inconsistency the Mets have experienced in the past couple of years, Judge signing with the Mets is pretty improbable.

3. San Francisco Giants

The Giants are looking for a new face of their franchise, and who better than Judge to fill that role? San Francisco is a team that has the potential to be a fierce contender for the World Series. They showed last year that they were a team that could compete at the top. After this letdown season for the Giants, they are in need of a monster bat in their lineup. Although San Francisco would be a top bidder for Judge, the chances they will land him are lower than expected. The Giants have shown interest in several superstars in recent years, such as Giancarlo Stanton and Bryce Harper, but they never got the deals done, which is why many question if they are willing to sign Judge for the money and the years he deserves.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers were almost unstoppable throughout the 2022 regular season. However, once entering the postseason, their luck changed, and they were defeated by the San Diego Padres in the NLDS. Although the Dodgers just wrapped up a 111-win season, there is still room for improvement, and Aaron Judge would be an unbelievable add-on for this Los Angeles team. The Dodgers should be a top bidder for the Yankees outfielder because of the weapon Judge could be for them. If Los Angeles wants to seriously pursue Judge, it should be an interesting fight between them and a few other teams since they have almost an unlimited amount of money to offer Judge.

1. New York Yankees

The Yankees had a solid offensive year and a subpar defensive year. They were able to secure the AL East with 99 wins this season and make a journey to the ALCS, where they were sadly silenced by the Astros. Making it to the championship series requires every player giving 110 percent. Judge is the best example of a Yankees player who gave it his all. He was simply the reason they made it to the playoffs. How could they let Judge walk away when he is the best slugger on the team?

The answer is they can’t. He means too much to their organization, and General Manager, Brian Cashman, is completely aware of that. Letting Judge go would cause a riot among the Yankees’ fan base. But if the Yankees want to keep their superstar, they have to be willing to pay him. Judge enjoys playing in the Bronx, and he would like to stay there if the Yankees will give him what he is entitled to. But are they really willing to spend the money?

My 14-year-old niece Callie wrote this article. She is an avid sports fan, a student of the box score, and a future sports journalist in the making. We at Belly Up Sports are proud to share this as a part of a new “Kid Reporter” feature, highlighting the future of the industry. If you would like to leave a comment or word of encouragement, find me on Twitter. I’ll pass them along to her.