Rizzo talks potential Judge deal: Business of baseball causes 'no loyalty'

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo believes the business side of baseball trumps any loyalty when it comes to negotiations between teams and players.

Rizzo, who cut off contract extension talks with the Chicago Cubs in 2021 after receiving a lowball offer, discussed a similar scenario involving teammate Aaron Judge on Thursday.

Judge and the Yankees are currently discussing an extension.

"I've talked to him a little bit about it," Rizzo said, per SNY. "At the end of the day, it's what's going to make him and (his wife) happy.

"What his value is and what his worth is is extremely high in this game. He's a legitimate MVP candidate every single year, and he knows that."

Rizzo added: "When it comes to the business side of it ... Freddie Freeman isn't on the Braves anymore. There's no loyalty in this game."

Judge has produced incredible numbers for the Yankees, amassing a .276/.386/.554 slash line with 158 home runs and 366 RBIs in 572 games. He's also been an All-Star three times, won AL Rookie of the Year, was a Home Run Derby champion, and finished among the top five in MVP voting twice.

Judge set an Opening Day deadline to receive a new contact from the Yankees and recently admitted feeling hopeful the deal would get done.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in March that the club would make Judge a long-term contract offer before Opening Day.

The Yankees' season begins on Friday after their season opener was postponed due to weather.