Yankees Finally Pay Aaron Judge, For Now

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.