You might criticize the New York Yankees for lots of things: spending money on the wrong players, being too stubborn to admit mistakes on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson, striking out at an alarming rate in the playoffs, or being swept (while looking helpless) by their arch rivals in an American League Championship Series.
The list goes on, and we can get really creative.
What you can’t say about them is that they don’t spend money.
They just forked out $360 million to retain their star player, Aaron Judge, who had hit free agency.
That’s not the only $300 million contract on their payroll.
In fact, they have two more, and that’s a record.
“The Yankees are the first team in MLB history with three players on $300M+ contracts (h/t @TalkinYanks)” Front Office Sports tweeted.
The Yankees are the first team in MLB history with three players on $300M+ contracts 💰
(h/t @TalkinYanks) pic.twitter.com/ECJDsSWfvg
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 7, 2022
Three Of The Best Paid Players In The League
A long time ago, the Miami Marlins signed Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year, $325 million deal.
Then he asked for a trade and landed on the Yankees.
New York isn’t paying the whole $325 million, as the Marlins agreed to send some money to the Bronx to help cover his huge contract.
Star pitcher Gerrit Cole, in the winter of 2019, agreed to a nine-year, $324 million pact with the Yankees during free agency.
Between Cole, Stanton, and Judge, they make almost as much as some MLB teams.
That’s impressive, but it doesn’t guarantee winning.
In fact, what the Yankees just did with Judge only guarantees they have the same foundation as last season.
Now it’s their turn to actually improve the roster.
Will they have enough financial flexibility to do that?
They have it.
A better question would be: would they be willing to spend more on upgrades?
NEXT: Did Aaron Judge Make The Right Decision Returning to NY?