Inside Aaron Judge’s decision: 6 factors that will determine whether he stays with Yankees
NEW YORK – There might be a World Series going on, and the NFL, NBA and NHL all have the stage.
But for the denizens of Yankees Universe, it is Aaron Judge Season from now until his signature lands on a new contract.
Expect this to be as patient and measured a process as one of Judge's at-bats, waiting until he gets exactly the right pitch.
Until then, every sighting at a restaurant or an arena, every social media post will be scrutinized for clues as to whether Judge is staying in the Bronx or moving on from the Yankees.
Even a few weeks of silence might be assessed with some meaning.
Let’s examine some of the biggest factors that could impact Judge’s decision:
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'A Yankee for life'
All the legacy things about being a career Yankee great are in play for Judge, along with a probable designation as the Yankees first captain since Derek Jeter.
Judge has a deep appreciation for what it means to be a homegrown Yankee star, and for the club's rich history.
How much will this all mean at contract time?
About an hour after being swept out of the AL Championship Series by the Houston Astros, ending the Yankees' season Sunday night, Judge made a declaration of sorts.
“I’ve been clear about that since I first wore the pinstripes,’’ Judge said of his comments about wanting to be a Yankee for life. “But we couldn’t get something done before spring training.
“And now, I’m a free agent. We’ll see what happens.’’
A missed chance, a winning wager
Yes, the Yankees had their chance to lock up Judge before Opening Day and he rejected their best offer, which the team made public.
Team Judge wasn't thrilled by the club's eagerness to instantly share that their superstar slugger turned down a $213.5 million extension ($30.5 million annually) beginning in 2023.
Judge's team was said to be seeking something in the $36 million per range, which is Gerrit Cole's annual salary on a nine-year deal.
Based on Judge's belief in his own health and performance, and the Yankees' miscalculation, his next contract should exceed $300 million.
Golden Gate homecoming
Was the pleasure of playing in New York lessened by other factors?
Did the groans and boos during Judge’s 1-for-16 ALCS – after belting 62 homers and nearly capturing a rare Triple Crown in an AL MVP season – rankle him more than he let on?
Judge’s All Rise Foundation is based in his small hometown of Linden, California, with his mom, Patty, as its executive director.
Last winter, Judge married his college sweetheart from Fresno State.
Will Judge’s family roots in Northern California hold sway toward the Bay Area?
If so, there’s one team in position to make him a unique offer.
Giant opportunity in San Francisco
Judge’s team growing up were the San Francisco Giants (favorite player: Rich Aurilia).
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi just hired a new GM, and the club has payroll flexibility entering 2023, coming off a disappointing 81-81 season (they won 107 games in 2021).
As a presence in the Giants' order and in their clubhouse, Judge could instantly put San Francisco back in the fight against their powerhouse NL West rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
Money Ball trio
Regardless of their current bloated payroll, the Yankees have the capital and the incentive – how about those record YES ratings as he chased Roger Maris’ AL single-season home run record – to outspend anyone for Judge.
But the risk of allowing him to test free agency has the potential for big spenders to move in.
Are the Dodgers and Mets more motivated to explore a Judge signing following a vastly disappointing October for both clubs?
Could you imagine Judge on the other side of The Rivalry, taking aim over the Green Monster for 81 home games?
Coming off a lousy season, the Red Sox could really make it an interesting winter.
The mystery team!
There's always one, right?
How about the Los Angeles Angels?
With new ownership supposedly coming in, and some uncertainty over the Orange County future of Shohei Ohtani, the Angels at least have some potential to be a Judge suitor.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Will Aaron Judge leave New York Yankees in free agency
