Judge sticking to Opening Day deadline for extension

With Opening Day less than a week away, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge says he won't move his April 7 deadline for a contract extension.

"I think it's best for both parties so they can focus on what they need to do and I can focus on what I need to do, which is on the field," Judge told the New York Post's Dan Martin on Thursday. "If we're not close by then, what's the point of communicating in the season?"

However, Judge remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached.

"I'm always optimistic, but I know the days are counting down and both sides want to get something done," he said.

Judge added: "This is cool and a fun process, and a lot of people helped me along the way to get to this spot. But, I'm ready to get it over with."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last week that the club was preparing a long-term offer for the three-time All-Star. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement by Opening Day, they'll head to arbitration. New York offered $17 million to try to avoid arbitration, with Judge countering at $21 million.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole believes the club can strike a deal with Judge. Cole, who signed a long-term agreement of his own with New York in 2019, pointed to team owner Hal Steinbrenner's history of getting these types of deals done.

"I don't want to speculate because there's this window right here and then at the end of the year (before Judge hits the market), but I would say when the Yankees want somebody and their back is up against the wall, if Hal wants to get it done, he gets it done," Cole said Thursday.

Judge authored another strong campaign in 2021, hitting .287/.373/.544/ with 39 home runs and 98 RBIs in 148 games.