After a historic 2022 season that saw him break Roger Maris’ American League home run record, New York Yankees free agent Aaron Judge is in position to sign a lucrative contract that could very well exceed $300 million.
The presumed AL MVP has drawn widespread interest from teams, including the incumbent Yankees and his hometown San Francisco Giants. An earlier report suggested the Giants are Judge’s No. 1 choice, but there are no indications that he is close to making a decision.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have also been connected to Judge, but to a lesser extent as they don’t necessarily need another outfielder. In the event they are able to sign Judge, Mookie Betts reportedly would be open to moving to second base.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Yankees and Giants remain the most likely landing spots for Judge, with the Dodgers behind them:
“The consensus out here (General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas) is that the Yankees and Giants are probably the favorites, and the Dodgers are probably right behind them. And after that, there will be some other teams involved.”
The Yankees and Giants were always viewed as the top suitors for Judge. The 30-year-old has stated that he would like to finish his career in New York, but he also grew up in Northern California and may want to play closer to his hometown.
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi hinted the team is willing to flex its financial muscle for the right free agent, but it’s difficult to envision the Yankees letting their homegrown star sign with another team.
Dodgers reportedly prioritizing top shortstop over Aaron Judge
With Trea Turner also a free agent, the Dodgers reportedly are prioritizing signing a top shortstop over Judge. If Turner departs for another team, L.A. could turn its attention to Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts or Dansby Swanson.
That could become necessary as the general belief is Turner will not re-sign with the Dodgers.
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