New York Yankees: 3 landing spots for Aaron Judge
By David Hill
The New York Yankees are in a difficult spot with Aaron Judge. They are trying to balance being fiscally responsible and Judge’s impending free agency. After handing out a large contract to Gerrit Cole and trading for Giancarlo Stanton’s mammoth deal, the Yankees have not done much to warrant their reputation for large contracts.
But that fiscal responsibility will only go so far. The Yankees have $96 million already earmarked for just four players in 2023. At the same time, they have seven players currently slated for free agency, a group that includes Judge, key pieces of their bullpen, and other starters in the lineup.
Three potential landing spots for New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge
There is no guarantee that Judge will reach free agency. He has been vocal about his desire to remain with the Yankees for the rest of his career. It is just a matter of ownership and the front office stepping up and making a viable offer for that to happen.
Whether or not the New York Yankees are able to extend Aaron Judge will be one of the more interesting subplots of the season. Let’s see where he could end up if he reaches free agency.
New York Yankees
Even if Aaron Judge reaches free agency, it is highly probable that he will end up back with the New York Yankees.
There is no questioning what Judge means to the Yankees’ lineup when he is healthy. He and Stanton were the only two players with over 250 plate appearances to have an OPS+ above league average. As the Yankees were tenth in the AL in runs scored and in the middle of the pack in OPS, they desperately need players that can impact the lineup.
It is possible those numbers will improve this year. The Yankees had mediocre seasons from almost everyone in their lineup, something which may not be the case in 2022. It is, however, going to be difficult to bank on an aging Stanton, young players, and relatively mediocre rest of the lineup if the Yankees are going to be gaining for the postseason.
Not only does Judge change the lineup, but he is a major piece of their defense as well. He saved 11 runs last year and is fourth amongst active outfielders with 64 total runs saved. Judge even filled in for 23 games in center last year and was solid in that role.
The New York Yankees need Aaron Judge. While it is not a certainty that he remains in the Bronx, it would be a surprise if he left.