Report: Yankees set to offer Judge long-term extension
The New York Yankees are preparing to offer star outfielder Aaron Judge a long-term contract extension in the next week, a source told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Judge has said on multiple occasions that he wants to have a deal in place by Opening Day and spend the rest of his career with the franchise.
However, the three-time All-Star said he understands the business side of baseball may result in him testing free agency following the 2022 season.
"So like I've said: They want to keep me here, and I stay here," Judge told Sherman. "But if they don't, I understand the business, and I have got to make a living, I have got to feed my family, too. You know, if it's playing in other places, I can do that."
The six-year veteran admits he's become more aware of free agency around the league and keeps a keen eye on who's going where and the types of contracts being signed.
"I've watched free agency all the way back to when I was a kid, being a fan," Judge said. "You know what teams do? But the past couple years, especially being in the business and being around here, you definitely pay attention. Where are guys going? What kind of contract was (signed) or essentially they didn't (sign), so you pay attention."
The 29-year-old projects to earn $17.1 million in his final season of arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Judge, a two-time Silver Slugger, owns a career .940 OPS with 158 home runs and 366 RBIs in 572 games.