“I’m Optimistic But It’s a Short Window” – Aaron Judge Not Sure About Contract Extension With the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are on a build path. With an underwhelming 2021 campaign behind them, the 2022 campaign now takes center stage; and the new signings to be made with it. However, a significant part of the Yankees’ strategy may simply be to retain the players that they already have and get them to sign onto extensions; chief among them would be right fielder, Aaron Judge. It doesn’t all seem to be going to plan though.

Aaron Judge has come on to represent the Yankees to a large portion of their fanbase and has grown to be loved in the Bronx. Ever since his debut in the 2018 season, Judge has endeared himself in Pinstripes and fans don’t want him to leave.

His current contract though runs into arbitration next year and he would like to renew his deal before. He has said before that if an extension is to be agreed to, it will have to be prior to Opening Day 2022.

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Aaron Judge to re-sign?

Aaron Judge’s current deal runs into arbitration in 2023, and he has previously indicated that an extension would have to be agreed to prior to Opening Day 2022. However, with that window fast closing, Aaron is not showing any signs of extending with the Yankees if no action is taken before April 7th when the Yankees host arch-rivals Boston Red Sox.

It appears as though Aaron Judge wants to avoid the arbitration procedure as far as possible. Judge did however indicate that staying at the Bronx remains in his plans. Speaking to journalist Bryan Hoch, said Judge, “(I) Want to be a Yankee for life.”

However, the front office does not appear to have arrived upon an extension offer, and in the present scenario, it may be tough for Judge to make a final decision. If he does decide to stay, Judge will need an extension offered before Opening Day and the chances of that appear to be dwindling. Judge is reticent to give up hope, however. “I’m optimistic, but it’s a short window,” he said.

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Judge has been a tremendous offensive contributor to the Yankees and one of the few fan favorites in recent years. Despite no trophies to back him up has seen the Yankees through several post-season runs.

But what do you think? Does Aaron Judge’s future lie in New York or elsewhere? And where would you have him play if he was to move out of New York?