• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 6, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Jason Benetti Is Leading Candidate to Be NBC’s Top MLB Voice

His contract is not up until later this year.

U.S. Action in Venezuela Disrupts Pro League, MLB Players, and WBC Plans

The country’s pro baseball league briefly suspends play.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Dec 8, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with the media during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings at Signia by Hilton Hotel

MLB Is Staring Down a Fractious Year of Labor Talks 

MLB owners and players are preparing for unprecedented labor negotiations.

Featured Today

Hockey In Florida was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

Hockey in Florida was once seen as a risk. Now, it’s thriving.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.
Sponsored

The CFP Bowl Game Tickets Everyone Wants

The second 12-team College Football Playoff is in full swing and tickets to these games are selling at a premium.
January 2, 2026

Sabalenka, Kyrgios Hint at ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Sequel

Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios in straight sets in the controversial exhibition.
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani acknowledges the crowd during the World Series championship parade at downtown Los Angeles
December 28, 2025

It Was the Year of Shohei Ohtani (Again)

The two-way superstar has a massive year on and off the field.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
December 27, 2025

The Year of A’ja Wilson

No one in basketball had a bigger year.
Sep 7, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium.
December 26, 2025

A’s $86 Million Soderstrom Contract Is the Richest in Team History

The team agreed to a seven-year, $86 million deal with Tyler Soderstrom.