Aaron Judge

Judge will be the most coveted free agent this winter; who will challenge the Yankees to sign him?

[Trea Turner](/mlb/players/2135249/trea-turner/) and [David Price](/mlb/players/1232130/david-price/). [Jacob deGrom](/mlb/players/2044508/jacob-degrom/) and closer [Edwin Diaz](/mlb/players/2117203/edwin-diaz/) can both hit the open market. The Dodgers could free up even more money by non-tendering [Cody Bellinger](/mlb/players/2165919/cody-bellinger/), should they choose to do so. [Giancarlo Stanton](/mlb/players/1630093/giancarlo-stanton/) and [Bryce Harper](/mlb/players/1765813/bryce-harper/), suggesting they have the appetite for a middle-of-the-order thumper. [Dansby Swanson](/mlb/players/2184343/dansby-swanson/) in town. Besides, they have to figure out what they're doing with the left side of their infield, in shortstop [Xander Bogaerts](/mlb/players/1945481/xander-bogaerts/) and third baseman [Rafael Devers](/mlb/players/2165929/rafael-devers/). The Cardinals were in the running for [Juan Soto](/mlb/players/2507367/juan-soto/), suggesting they might have the appetite for another big-time slugger. The Mets, for their part, have shown no real aversion to spending as much money as they desire under Steve Cohen. [Mookie Betts](/mlb/players/2106654/mookie-betts/) only to turn around a few winters later and sign Judge. None of them seem likely to splurge on a player of Judge's caliber -- though the Twins did sign Seeing as how Judge will have his choice of teams that can and will do both, there's no sense wasting much time weighing this group's respective merits. We should note that this is more of an art than a science, and that this exercise is for entertainment purposes only.

The mammoth slugger is now, officially, a free agent after the Yankees were eliminated by the Astros.

Judge then proceeded to have one of the greatest contract years in the history of professional sports, potentially earning himself the AL MVP in the process. "Jacob, buddy, we got a lot other great Yankees on this team," Judge said during the break. It's not the first time that Judge has been coy surrounding his future. "We got a lot of great Yankees that'll be here for a long time. "Not at all, not yet, not yet," Judge said when asked if he's wondered about what's next. Coming off a stellar regular season, Judge is entering free agency with bags under his eyes, and bags on his mind.

New York's face of the franchise is set to enter free agency after a historic season that lost momentum during the playoffs. What happens next?

“The money he’s brought to this organization, this franchise, to the game of baseball—I’m sure just the money alone in September, chasing 62, was enough to easily pay him,” Rizzo said. In many ways, he has become the platonic ideal of a Yankee over his time in New York, and one of those ways is his Jeterian ability to offer polite, bland answers. Ace Gerrit Cole said he planned to spend the winter recruiting Judge to return. After the game, Judge addressed his teammates, telling them that they had become like family to him, and that this was a special group. ”It happened so quick,” he said. “Not at all,” he said. The team will have to decide whether a lineup so old, so righthanded, and with so similar an approach can succeed. For the first time this series, the Yankees actually seemed to have a chance in Game 4. But the Yankees unraveled in the seventh inning. On the eve of the season, he turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million offer from the Yankees. But he hit just .139 this postseason with only two home runs, both in the American League Division Series against the Guardians. He spent nearly seven seasons in New York, evolving from a hacker who hit .179 over 27 games in his 2016 debut into the AL single-season

Former GM Jim Bowden looks at each position and suggests moves the Yankees could make this offseason to improve for 2023.

[Giancarlo Stanton](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/giancarlo-stanton-rRhozcGWpuYcCdd4/) will be the designated hitter as his $325 million contract, signed in 2014 with the [Marlins](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/marlins/), runs through 2027. [Michael King](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/michael-king-LvLKgTReZ9gXVg3C/) to [Ron Marinaccio](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/ron-marinaccio-c1hwHpkhxzUmlqe6/) to [Luis Gil](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/luis-gil-ByYQ7cHdZz3lXJPk/), not to mention Chapman’s demise. [Clay Holmes](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/clay-holmes-TzyZDqjJ9Z0tgg57/) and [Jonathan Loáisiga](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/jonathan-loaisiga-wk2lfKZLZcH3tuwm/), and lefties [Wandy Peralta](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/wandy-peralta-DPA7Du68HVM69rR0/) and [Lucas Luetge](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/lucas-luetge-QBaVCsWGidbhxL9z/), but they need an impact closer who can miss bats. Another possibility in left is soon-to-be free agent [Brandon Nimmo](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/brandon-nimmo-ygebbuEhMyc7bbUH/), who was worth 5.0 bWAR this season with 16 home runs, a .367 OBP and a 130 OPS+. [Oswaldo Cabrera](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/oswaldo-cabrera-wiOmQ4sBgUmnTSUG/), who impressed during a 44-game stint this season, bringing a lot of energy and versatility to the lineup, but he might be best positioned as a super-utility player coming off the bench. [Gerrit Cole](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/gerrit-cole-hjY4yzsSTjeysNr3/), left-hander [Nestor Cortes](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/nestor-cortes-hVVlDsIOhr1MPSfZ/), Severino, [Frankie Montas](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/frankie-montas-aP56yHkWWEkZ4mOw/) and [Domingo Germán](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/domingo-german-DmyQCC8fjzOQodo2/) all under team control. One more guaranteed year remains on [Josh Donaldson](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/josh-donaldson-mjfFmP0OIE2iJop7/)’s contract, but he’ll turn 37 in December and has declined to the point he’s no longer a starting player. At shortstop, the Yankees are committed to their talented youngsters, with [Oswald Peraza](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/oswald-peraza-TWOtIkb4YqUHo7uP/) the early front-runner to win the job in 2023, though it’s expected top prospect Anthony Volpe will eventually be the everyday shortstop, perhaps as early as late next summer. They will shed payroll in the bullpen next year with Aroldis Chapman, [Zack Britton](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/zack-britton-A4VJi4Apo4jzRwop/) and [Chad Green](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/chad-green-WsZutc3ZuoWWwHv4/) out of contract, but how do they bolster their diminished relief corps? The front office acquired midseason replacements, including [Lou Trivino](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/lou-trivino-fnfPBDAypTREVLSj/) in a trade with [Oakland](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/athletics/) and Scott Effross in a deal with the [Cubs](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/cubs/). The soon-to-be free-agent southpaw who screams Yankees to me is [Carlos Rodón](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/carlos-rodon-36jnGyHljwbmPLzj/), who had a banner season with [San Francisco](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/sf-giants/). [Aaron Judge](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/aaron-judge-SFIT5wwDvRYLsber/) to a long-term contract after the all-world right fielder just completed arguably the best offensive season in baseball history.

Aaron Judge was the story of the 2022 MLB season, and that will continue into the offseason.

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Here's an early look at what the New York Yankees' lineup, rotation and closer situation could look like next season both with Aaron Judge returning and if ...

Please consider supporting us with a subscription. * * * The best available will be [Edwin Diaz](https://www.nj.com/sports/2022/09/mets-face-historic-price-tag-for-edwin-diaz-mlb-insider-says.html). [gone](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/predictions-for-yankees-free-agents-aaron-judge-anthony-rizzo-andrew-benintendi-more.html), Zack Britton will be gone and Clay Holmes wasn’t all that in the second half. He had a great season pitching to a 1.31 ERA and saving 32 games for the [Mets](https://www.nj.com/mets/). [Justin Verlander ](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml)is going to opt out of the second season of his two-year deal with Houston. If Judge returns, he’ll probably get $300 million and then some, plus maybe the captaincy to boot. He’ll be 40 in February, but he’s going to win another Cy Young season at 39. Potentially, the Yankees’ rotation is a lot better and the Astros is worse. It would be risky, but signing Verlander for $70 million over two seasons could bring a huge payoff. The Yankees should have outbid Houston last winter, but passed. This will be his third.

The New York Yankees have moved into offseason mode following their 6-5 loss Sunday to the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the American League Championship ...

After setting a new American League record with [62 home runs](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/yankees-aaron-judge-hits-record-setting-62nd-home-run-everything-you-need-to-know.html) and contending for the [Triple Crown](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/yankees-aaron-judge-loses-triple-crown-concedes-batting-title-to-twins-luis-arraez.html), the Yankees are expected to pay north of $300 million to re-sign the MVP contender. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. ... I estimate he’ll receive a four-year, $107 million deal the market. [Andrew Benintendi](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/predictions-for-yankees-free-agents-aaron-judge-anthony-rizzo-andrew-benintendi-more.html) or landing former Mets slugger [Brandon Nimmo.](https://www.nj.com/sports/2022/10/mlb-insider-hints-at-mets-free-agency-plans-for-jacob-degrom-edwin-diaz-brandon-nimmo.html) native as trade bait?](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/al-west-power-could-outmaneuver-yankees-mets-for-angels-shohei-ohtani-nj-native-as-trade-bait.html) [WFAN’s John Sterling reveals future Yankees broadcasting plans](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/wfans-john-sterling-reveals-future-yankees-broadcasting-plans.html) [(Edwin) Díaz](https://www.nj.com/sports/2022/09/mets-face-historic-price-tag-for-edwin-diaz-mlb-insider-says.html) away from the [Mets](https://www.nj.com/mets/). [ STUBHUB](https://fave.co/3NyuxAM), [VIVID SEATS](https://fave.co/3yczVEb), [ TICKETSMARTER](https://fave.co/3R8N0GY), [ TICKETMASTER](https://fave.co/3umMMSZ) [seven-year, $213.5 million contract](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/04/aaron-judge-turns-down-7-year-2135m-offer-from-yankees-will-test-free-agent-market.html) before Opening Day and will be a free agent after the [World Series](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/ex-yankees-mets-heading-to-phillies-astros-world-series.html). [Brian Cashman’s](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/yankees-brian-cashman-on-the-hot-seat-after-alcs-sweep-by-astros.html) to-do list is re-sign outfielder [Aaron Judge](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/yankees-on-brink-because-aaron-judge-is-vanishing-klapisch.html), who’s coming off a walk season for the ages. [6-5 loss](https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401467577) to the [Houston Astros](https://www.mlb.com/astros) in [Game 4](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/end-of-an-era-yankees-swept-into-offseason-that-could-lead-to-goodbye-aaron-judge.html) of the [American League Championship Series](https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/astros-sweep-yankees-in-alcs-advance-to-world-series-photos.html) at [Yankee Stadium.](https://www.mlb.com/yankees/ballpark) [Yankees](https://www.nj.com/yankees/) are on the clock.

Did New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hint that he's returning to the Yanks in 2023 after the team was eliminated by the Houston Astros?

Who would’ve thought that the ALDS where he went 0-8 with 7 strikeouts in Games 1 and 2 wouldn’t even be his most embarrassing series in a single postseason? The campaign was a masterpiece, and was historic enough to make him the MVP frontrunner over a guy who can hit and pitch like an ace. Blame the wind in Houston all you want, but the team’s centerpiece slugger cannot bat .063 against the Astros in a four-game set with only a lone single to his name. it was a whole ordeal, and it didn’t make anybody feel better about future conversations between the two parties. Now, all that’s left is for someone to pick up the pieces and try to fill myriad holes in the interest of competing with the Houston Astros, a team that’s been standing in the Regular Season Champion Bombers’ way since 2015. In all likelihood, yes, and he’ll be dealing with a whopper of a decision from the jump off.

Mookie Betts has won five Gold Glove awards as a right fielder. Could his next one be as a second baseman? According to sources, the Dodgers could become ...

Los Angeles wouldn’t be a homecoming for Judge, but it’s a lot closer to home than New York, where the slugger has played his entire career. While Judge -- who turns 31 in April -- could potentially take over in center field and play next to Betts, it seems unlikely that he would do so for more than a year or two given the toll the position can take physically. Could his next one be as a second baseman?

The Los Angeles Dodgers "could become serious players" in the pursuit of Aaron Judge in MLB free agency, according to MLB.com's.

Cody Bellinger, whom MLB Trade Rumors' [Steve Adams](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/10/mlb-projected-arbitration-salaries-2023.html) projected to get $18.1 million in arbitration, could be jettisoned. The tangible impact of losing the presumptive American League MVP is obviously. Bringing Judge aboard would certainly carry on the trend. Each of the last three offseasons has seen them make at least one significant addition to the roster as well. [$16 million](https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/justin-turner-8649/) option, the outgoing salaries and savings are more than enough to cover whatever Judge would make on his contract. [combined to earn](https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/los-angeles-dodgers/) $79.3 million in 2022 and will be coming off the books.

Aaron Judge to the Los Angeles Dodgers? The New York Yankees' playoff elimination at the hands of the Houston Astros has officially kicked off the Judge ...

And the former has proven capable of handling second base. But such interest could force the club to shuffle their alignment defensively. Aaron Judge to the Los Angeles Dodgers?

This MLB insider says the Los Angeles Dodgers could move Mookie Betts to the infield to make room for New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge in free ...

Perhaps the outfielder wants to return home (he grew up not too far from San Francisco). While Judge -- who turns 31 in April -- could potentially take over in center field and play next to Betts, it seems unlikely that he would do so for more than a year or two given the toll the position can take physically. As Feinsand alluded to, perhaps Betts and Judge can both play in the outfield together. Los Angeles has other options to play second base, depending on Trea Turner's decision as the shortstop enters free agency. Once a player hits the open market, there are no guarantees. Judge doesn't have the hardware like Betts, but he's widely considered an elite outfielder as well.

If there is an offseason signing that would make the Major League Baseball world shudder, it's the Dodgers signing Aaron Judge.

And going after Judge would be a logical move for a team whose mentality is World Series or bust. Judge, who turns 31 in April, will be a free agent for the first time in his career and is expected to sign a huge deal. They lost out on Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres, who eliminated them in the National League Division Series this season.

The Dodgers are annually mentioned as possible suitors for the best players available on the open market, and they're likely to be in the mix for the ...

Both Betts and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts have spoken positively of the possibility of Betts playing more second base in the future, and accommodating a player of Judge’s caliber could be just the reason the Dodgers need to make the switch full time. Any pursuit of Judge would surely complicate whatever attempts the Dodgers may make this offseason to retain Trea Turner, another top free agent on the market this offseason. Furthermore, with at least some possibility of Betts moving to the infield more regularly, the Dodgers may be content to simply plug The Dodgers, of course, have their own elite right field glove in Betts, a five time Gold Glove award winner at the position. Feinsand reports that Betts is open to moving to the infield regularly at some point in his career, although it’s not clear whether that’d be conditional on the team signing Judge. However, Judge is widely not seen as a long-term center fielder and considered a better fit in right field, where he’s spent the majority of his career and rates out as among the best defenders at the position in the sport. This payroll flexibility in the future should give them plenty of room to offer free agents multi-year contracts this offseason. The Yankees figure to prioritize retaining Judge this offseason, but if there’s any team that can play in the same financial stratosphere as New York, it’s the Dodgers, who posted a Still, that should leave them with plenty of space before they even get to the level they hit this year. [MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports](https://www.mlb.com/news/mookie-betts-second-base-aaron-judge-dodgers) that L.A. Betts has continued to play second base sporadically throughout his career following the position change, even logging 46 innings (five starts) at the position in 2022. [luxury tax payroll](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/09/mets-dodgers-luxury-tax-yankees-red-sox-phillies-padres.html) just under $290MM in 2022 and will see significant salary come off the books this season thanks to possible impending free agencies of players such as [David Price](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=priceda01,price-006dav&search=David+Price&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral), [Trea Turner](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral), [Justin Turner](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turneju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral) (whose contract has a $16MM club option for next season) and [Craig Kimbrel](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral).