• Loading stock data...
Thursday, March 28, 2024
2024 Best Venues nominations are open now through April 8! Submit Now

Aaron Judge’s Career Season Is Perfectly Timed

  • The four-time All-Star’s refusal is arguably one of the bolder business moves by a player in free agency.
  • The decision should pay off — maybe by an extra $100 million.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge spent this weekend chasing Roger Maris’ American League record of 61 homers, but so far has just fallen short. Whether he ties the record or not, however, he’s still sitting on a massive payday.

This offseason, the Yankees offered Judge a seven-year, $213.5 million extension, which would have been among the 20 most lucrative contracts in MLB.

The four-time All-Star’s refusal is one of the bolder business moves by a player in free agency. The decision should pay off — maybe by an extra $100 million — after one of the single greatest contract years since free agency’s inception in 1976.

  • Curt Flood’s refusal to be traded in 1969 ultimately paved the way for modern free agency itself — but torpedoed his own successful career.
  • In May, ESPN insider Jeff Passan estimated Judge could command at least $300 million, making him one of the 10 highest-paid players in MLB.
  • That estimation didn’t factor in the 30-year-old breaking a home run record and making runs for the Triple Crown and AL MVP.

All Rise (Especially Contract Leverage)

Yankees GM Brian Cashman will want to keep Judge in pinstripes, but other teams are chomping at the bit. Judge himself has hinted at being open to leaving the Bronx (he has jokingly spoken about his affection for Red Sox fans).

The fan who caught his 60th blast on Tuesday said he only hoped Judge would remain a Yankee next year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Late Rush Keeps Three MLB Teams on TV, but Revenue Issues Linger

The Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies continue to navigate a post-RSN landscape.

MLB Looks to Return Focus to the Field After Turbulent Offseason

The league aims to turn the page after grappling with several difficult problems this winter.

Orioles’ Rubenstein Era at Last Begins, and With Ripken Back in the Fold 

The billionaire private equity executive receives unanimous approval of his purchase of the MLB club.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

MLB Opens Season With MLBPA, Ohtani, and Ownership Dramas

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

March 22, 2024, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Brooks Barnhizer (13) and Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) react in overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center.

‘An Expensive Game’: March Madness and NIL Collectives Are Intertwined

At schools nationwide, collectives are fueling NCAA tournament runs and vice versa.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (22) waits to be announced in the starting lineup against West Virginia in a NCAA Tournament round of 32 game Monday, March 25, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
March 26, 2024

The Women’s Trading Card Market Is Overlooked. Can Caitlin Clark Change That?

Traditionally, women’s sports cards have been a marginal part of collectibles.
The Sports Illustrated cover signed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, February 27, 2019, at Don & Charlie's, 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. Don Charlie S
March 24, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About the Ongoing ‘Sports Illustrated’ Saga

Understanding the strange state of affairs for the nearly 70-year-old publication.
March 23, 2024

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Inside the Big East’s Bizarre Online Subculture

Peeling back the curtain on the ‘phenomenally weird’ Big East online ecosystem.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
Spotify
Multiple - USA Careers

It Remains Unclear Which Authorities Shohei Ohtani Has Reported Theft of Millions to, If Any

A federal investigation is ongoing, but it’s not clear what it covers.
Tyreek Hill NFL wide receivers
March 25, 2024

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Receivers

The Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill tops the charts with $30 million.
March 26, 2024

NBA Investigating Raptors Center Jontay Porter Over Suspicious Prop Bets

The league is looking into ‘multiple instances of betting irregularities’ in recent months, ESPN reported.
Sponsored

How Daily Fantasy Sports Solved NBA Fantasy

The remarkable growth of the #1 Discord sports server in the world.
T.J. Watt
March 25, 2024

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Linebackers

At more than $28 million per year, the Giants’ Brian Burns holds the top spot as the highest-paid NFL linebacker.
NFL running back Christian McCaffrey
March 25, 2024

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Running Backs

49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid NFL running back making just over $16M.
Laremy Tunsil NFL
March 25, 2024

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Offensive Tackles

The Texans employs the game’s highest-paid tackle Laremy Tunsil.
NFL Darren Waller
March 25, 2024

The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Tight Ends

Giants tight end Darren Waller leads the way at $17 million.