Wednesday, April 15, 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

Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

Efforts to Fight Sports Streaming Fragmentation Ramp Up in D.C.

“It’s not only confusing, it’s also damn expensive.”
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) throws to first against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park.

Alec Bohm’s Family Feud Heats Up As Parents Push Back

The third baseman claims his parents took advantage of him.
Apr 10, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) throws to first base during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals One Step Closer to New Kansas City Stadium

The MLB club receives support from two key votes.
Apr 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at Fenway Park.

Red Sox Say Fans Whiffed With ‘Junk Fees’ Lawsuit

“Plaintiffs were not deceived,” the team argues in a new filing.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

Sophia Wilson on Returning to Soccer With a Million-Dollar Deal

Wilson became the NWSL’s first million-dollar player this offseason.
April 14, 2026

Valkyries GM Avoids Questions After Draft Trade: ‘I’m Exhausted’

Golden State traded Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle for two second-rounders.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.
April 14, 2026

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 13, 2026

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.
April 13, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Cracks Top 4 in Career Earnings Despite Loss

Jannik Sinner reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking. 
April 10, 2026

WNBA Free Agency Tracker: Welcome to the Million-Dollar Era

The supermax deal is worth $1.4 million per year.
April 10, 2026

Pile of Famous Athletes Quietly Invested in Kalshi Months Ago

WNBA stars Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart are among the group.