The New York Yankees can do anything during the offseason: they could swing a trade for Shohei Ohtani, they could bring in Japanese stars Masataka Yoshida or Kodai Senga, or sign Trea Turner or Carlos Correa to play shortstop.
However, if they don’t bring back Aaron Judge, their offseason will be considered a failure.
The prime candidate to be named the American League MVP on Thursday, Judge is currently a free agent after the Yankees failed to extend him over the years.
He is now able to negotiate with other teams, giving him all the leverage in the world.
The ownership, led by Hal Steinbrenner, as well as the front office have always said they would love to keep Judge.
They haven’t acted on it to this point, however, and until his signature is not on the proposed deal, it’s all vague and uncertain.
Steinbrenner spoke on another important aspect of the Judge negotiations: the captaincy.
Judge is on the record in the past saying that he would love to be captain of the Yankees one day.
A Captain Without The Title
His teammates say he already is, clarifying that he leads through example.
Judge always knows what to say and when to say it when it comes to the press.
He is respectful, a hard worker, and committed to the common goal, which is winning.
His teammates see and appreciate this, and try to follow his lead.
Steinbrenner, however, just said he “would consider” making Judge the captain if he signs.
“Hal Steinbrenner tells @M_Marakovits that ‘they would consider’ making Aaron Judge the next Yankees’ captain,” YES Network tweeted.
Hal Steinbrenner tells @M_Marakovits that "they would consider" making Aaron Judge the next Yankees' captain. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/cilljzfhta
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) November 15, 2022
That’s not too reassuring for Judge, but at least signals that the issue is on the Yankees’ minds.
Judge would make for a good captain.
Will he stick around to become the Yankees’ leader?
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