Yankees counterpoint: Aaron Judge is worth big contract extension

Sure, there are plenty of things that can split New York right down the middle, including the sports allegiances you will find throughout the boroughs. Jets vs. Giants? Oh absolutely. Yankees vs. Mets? Game on. Aaron Judge believers vs. Aaron Judge doubters? Oh yeah, they are sprinkled throughout NYC and the region as well.

And those doubters vs. believers arguments have been elevated to a whole new level with all of the news surrounding a potential Judge extension and the Opening Day deadline to get a deal done. Spoiler alert: It didn’t happen, so now the “will he or won’t he?” question surrounding Judge and his future with the New York Yankees will be hanging over the franchise all season (or at least until something is worked out between the parties).

Hey, the debate on Judge’s worth to the Bronx Bombers has even come to our site, with one of our writers adamantly stating the case why Judge isn’t worth it, and “it” being the reported $30.5 million per year for seven years plus a $17 million contract for this season.

Sorry, but here’s the simple truth: Aaron Judge should be paid the money before he becomes a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season.

Back up the armored car, New York Yankees. Aaron Judge deserves the big contract extension.

It has been reported that Judge is seeking roughly $360 million over a nine- or 10-year span. Look at this as a point for negotiations to begin, just like New York’s initial offer. So, considering it’s roughly a $100 million chasm between the two sides, something has to give … on both sides.

Why? Well, Judge is the embodiment of the Bronx Bombers, a slugger who has dazzled with his power during his seven seasons in pinstripes, averaging 44 home runs per 162 games. A career OPS+ of 150 shows his worth in a Yankees lineup that is fighting for a return to the glory of World Series past in what will be a very tough American League East, this season and in the near future as well.

When he’s healthy, Judge is among the most-feared batters in the game.

Sure, the strikeouts are high, but strikeouts have risen across MLB by 47 percent over the past 16 seasons as this article lays out. If you’re going to blame Judge for strikeouts, can I interest you in a Joey Gallo or a Giancarlo Stanton?

Yes, the injuries have been a problem at times, but have you seen the amount of games that Mike Trout has missed since 2017? Any contract for any player is a gamble.

Every player is going to have his weaknesses and detractors, but the simple truth is that Judge is a talent that 29 other teams would be glad to have (at the right price, of course).

The Yankees chose the less expensive route often this offseason when it came to acquiring talent, with much of the thought behind that that the money was being saved for Judge. Well, the bill has come due and it’s time for the Yankees to pay up.