For many MLB players, free agency is a time for anxiety: they don’t generate much interest, they don’t know where they will have to relocate, and they keep calling their agent to see what’s new.
However, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is not just another player: he is a star, and stars get to pick their next destination when hitting free agency.
It’s the same as in life: the best doctors, lawyers, and accountants, among other occupations, get the best opportunities.
Judge is one of the best at what he does, so he has no shortage of options in the market.
While other players are stressed about free agency, he is enjoying it.
“Aaron Judge said he had ‘positive talks’ with Hal Steinbrenner. Now he tests the market. ‘It’s still pretty early and a lot of stuff doesn’t start kicking up until the Winter Meetings in December. But it’s going to be a fun process that my family and I will definitely enjoy,’” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted quoting Judge, who spoke with the media after being named the American League MVP on Thursday night.
Aaron Judge said he had "positive talks" with Hal Steinbrenner. Now he tests the market.
"It’s still pretty early and a lot of stuff doesn’t start kicking up until the Winter Meetings in December. But it’s going to be a fun process that my family and I will definitely enjoy.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 18, 2022
Judge Is Unlikely To Sign In November
Another takeaway of Judge’s remarks is that he is highly unlikely to sign in November.
He will likely take his time, let teams make their formal approaches, and then have his pick.
The Yankees are still very much in play, but so are other teams.
The San Francisco Giants, for example, have indicated that they won’t be outbid.
Judge slashed .311/.425/.686 with an AL-best (in history, not just 2022) 62 home runs, 133 runs, 131 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
He figures to make at least $300 million.
Not too shabby.
NEXT: 2 Additional Moves The Yankees Should Make