TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees star slugger Aaron Judge will soon get an offer for a long-term contract extension, general manager Brian Cashman said Saturday.
“Between now and Opening Day we’ll make an offer, and he’ll obviously receive an offer and all the conversions will have taken place and will either resolve into a multiyear deal or it won’t,” Cashman said. “We’re committed. We’ll make an offer and hear what he has to say in response, and then it will be pencils down before Opening Day.”
The Yankees open the season April 7 at home against the Boston Red Sox.
Judge has said he doesn’t want to negotiate an extension during the regular season. The outfielder, who turns 30 next month, is eligible to become a free agent after the World Series.
The Yankees and Judge have failed to reach a deal for 2022, which could result in the sides heading into arbitration during the season. He asked for a raise from $10,175,000 to $21 million, and the Yankees offered $17 million.
“Our position has always been, we wind up only in a hearing if we’re dragged there,” Cashman said. “We only go when forced to go. We’re not afraid of going. Our history shows that we stay out of that arena unless we’re compelled to get there. We’ll see how it all plays out.”
Judge hit .287 with 39 homers and 98 RBIs in 148 games last season.
Gardner possibility?
Since spring training started, Cashman has been in contact a few times with the agent for outfielder Brett Gardner, who is a free agent after playing for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021.
“Right now we’re focused on what we have, to be honest,” Cashman said.
Gardner, 38, hit .222 with a .327 on-base percentage in 140 games last season.