Friday, May 29, 2026

Yankees Finally Pay Aaron Judge, For Now

  • The slugger has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $19 million deal ahead of his upcoming free agency this winter.
  • The deal comes amid a historic year, in which Judge is on pace to hit 60 home runs.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports


The Yankees’ front office has finally listened to fans yelling “pay him” during Aaron Judge’s at-bats — sort of.

Judge has signed a one-year, $19 million deal, according to multiple sources. With the agreement, Judge and the Yankees will not have to engage in arbitration. 

  • Judge reportedly wanted $21 million, while the Yankees wanted $17 million.
  • If Judge — who is on pace to hit 60 dingers this season — wins AL MVP, he could make a $250,000 bonus. 
  • He could earn another $250,000 for World Series MVP.

On Thursday night, he hit a walk-off single to further solidify the Yankees’ spot as the best team in baseball. Judge, however, is still battling it out with Angels star Shohei Ohtani for MVP.

As of now, though, Judge’s contract still doesn’t reflect his on-field prowess. There are 50 other players making $19 million or more this year.

At the beginning of the season, the Bronx Bombers offered Judge a seven-year, $213.5 million contract. 

But he turned it down, eying his first ever opportunity at free agency at the end of the season — and the potentially $300 million payday that comes with it.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; General view of the field during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Labor Talks Escalate With Owners’ Salary Cap Pitch to Union

Eight teams would need to shed payroll under the proposed structure.

Sacramento’s Bid Intensifies MLB’s Complex Expansion Derby

The California capital city formally unveils its bid to land a club.
Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?

Featured Today

May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 22, 2026

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
Jannik Sinner

French Open Favorite Jannik Sinner Suffers Second-Round Upset

It was 91 degrees Fahrenheit during the match.
May 24, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kristian Gkolomeev (GRE) poses with Enhanced co-founder Max Martin after setting a world record in the 50m freestyle of 21.81 during the Enhanced Games at Resorts World Las Vegas.
May 25, 2026

Clean Athletes Stole the Show at the Enhanced Games

Three clean athletes won events against performance-enhancing peers.
May 26, 2026

French Open Organizers Meet With Players After Media Protest

Players are asking for 22% of revenue by 2030.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 22, 2026

Sabalenka, Sinner Lead Coordinated Media Protest at French Open

The players are seeking increased revenue and improved benefits from Grand Slams.
May 22, 2026

Stafford Signs $55 Million Extension With Rams

The 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player receives a sizable pay increase.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 15, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot on the seventh tee during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament.
May 15, 2026

Bryson DeChambeau Misses Second Major Cut Amid LIV Turmoil

DeChambeau also missed the cut at this year’s Masters.