AL East

Aaron Judge didn't request an extension from the New York Yankees surpassing eight years, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed the team put a seven-year, $213.5 million deal on the table, which would've added to the $17 million he's projected to get this season. 

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Judge was looking to sign a nine- or 10-year pact that averaged $36 million annually.

The three-time All-Star acknowledged he was "disappointed" that he was unable to work out an agreement with the Bronx Bombers.

"I want to bring a championship back to New York. I want to do it for the fans here," he told reporters. "This is home for me. And I'm not getting that done right now. It stinks, but I got a job to do on the field. I got to shift my focus to that now and play some ball."

Judging a player's value in monetary terms is always subjective, because a player is worth whatever a team will pay him.

An entire package of eight years and $230 million doesn't seem to be insultingly low for Judge, though.

Rosenthal noted the $30.5 million average salary from New York's offer would've been the second-highest among outfielders behind Mike Trout, who signed a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Angels.

Judge owns a .276/.386/.553 slash line for his career. Since he entered the majors in 2016, he's fifth in wOBA (.393) and fourth in wRC+ (150), per FanGraphs. Throw in his plus defense, and the 29-year-old could plausibly command more money than New York was willing to include.

However, he's going to turn 30 in April, so it's fair to wonder how much longer his prime playing window will remain open beyond 2022.

ESPN's Buster Olney also spoke with multiple agents who expressed concerns stemming from Judge's 6'7", 282-pound frame.

"Judge is awesome, but I'm terrified of gargantuan people and whether they can stay healthy," one agent said.

"I just don't know if you can really predict how effective he's going to be when he gets into his mid-30s," another agent told Olney. "Because we've never seen a player his size. Will he be able to catch up to fastballs when he's in the back half of his next contract? I don't know. There are a lot of unknowns."

Regardless of the exact circumstances behind the breakdown in negotiations between the Yankees and Judge, they were unable to broker a deal.

The two-time Silver Slugger seems to be betting on himself, and he has the opportunity to justify that gamble through his performance on the field this year.

The New York Yankees and All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge didn't reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension before the team's first game of the 2022 season Friday, which was the slugger's deadline for a deal.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported earlier Friday the Yanks made an offer worth over $225 million, but their efforts fell short, which general manager Brian Cashman later confirmed:

Official from Yankees GM Brian Cashman: No long-term deal for Aaron Judge. Said Yankees offered a seven-year, $213.5 million extension, which, paired with the $17 million they’ve offered in arbitration this season, would have made the entire package just over $230 million.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 8, 2022

Judge said he didn't want to discuss the negotiations any further until after Friday's home clash with the rival Boston Red Sox, which is slated for a 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch.

"We'll have an update for you guys. I've got a game to focus on right now," he told reporters. "So if it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, I'll see you guys after the game and we'll talk about that."

Judge is entering his final year of arbitration. He's eligible to become a free agent after the 2022 season if a deal with the Yankees isn't reached.

A contract package worth $225 million would rank tied for 15th in MLB with Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, per Spotrac.

Here's a look at the top five:

1. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels): $426.5 million
2. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers): $365 million
3. Francisco Lindor (New York Mets): $341 million
4. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres): $340 million
5. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies): $330 million

Judge would have an opportunity to crack that list if he hits the open market next winter.

The 29-year-old California native made his debut for the Yankees in 2016 and has established himself as one of MLB's top power hitters over the past five seasons. His 154 home runs between 2017 and 2021 ranked fifth in baseball.

He's earned three All-Star selections and two Silver Slugger Awards after being named the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year.

Judge owns a .276/.386/.554 career slash line, and his .940 OPS across 572 games for New York would rank second among all active players if he had enough plate appearances to qualify. He needs 535 more PAs, putting him on pace to join the list this year if he stays healthy.

It's hard to imagine the Yankees would let him get away, but the same thing was said with Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves at this time last year. Now he's a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, though Atlanta found a high-end replacement in Matt Olson.

Once a superstar hits free agency and can listen to pitches from other teams, including big-spenders like the Dodgers and New York Mets, all bets are off.

Getting a deal done before Friday's game would have allowed Yankees fans to breathe a sigh of relief, but it appears that won't be the case and the drama will only build from here.

The New York Yankees have reportedly offered Aaron Judge a contract that would make him the highest-paid position player in franchise history on an annual basis.

Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the Yankees' offer would top the $27.5 million annual average of Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million deal. Other details—including, critically, the number of years in the offer—have not been made available.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the deal includes more than $200 million in guarantees. 

The Yankees are hoping to get a deal done before Friday's season opener against the Boston Red Sox. Judge said he plans to test free agency if a deal isn't in place by Opening Day.

https://twitter.com/lindseyadler/status/1512426236257214468

“You think about it, but it comes down to: I’ve got games to win," Judge told reporters earlier this week. "It’s been a while since Yankee fans have held a championship in the city. I’ve got a job to do: to go out there and win it for them.”

Judge came up in the Yankees system after being drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. He's earned three All-Star selections and been one of the sport's best sluggers.

Staying healthy has been the biggest issue. Judge has missed 30 or more games in three of his five full MLB seasons; the 2021 campaign was just the second time he's touched 120 games in a season.

The Yankees are likely factoring Judge's injury risk into contract talks, limiting the length to protect the team against continued trips to the injured list. Judge, by contrast, is likely quick to show the Yankees his per-162 numbers that prove him to be one of the best all-around players in baseball. 

With the Steinbrenner family taking a more hardline stance regarding the luxury tax, a deal that would have already gotten done in the more freewheeling days is coming down to the last minute. 

The New York Yankees and Aaron Judge are still in ongoing contract discussions, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. However, it's unclear if they will come to terms on a deal ahead of the slugger's Opening Day deadline. 

The Bronx Bombers open up the 2022 season Friday against AL East rival Boston Red Sox.

Judge is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022 season. 

The right fielder told reporters earlier this week that he wasn't focused on getting an extension done, saying there's bigger things on his mind. 

“It’s been a while since Yankee fans have held a championship in the city,’’ Judge said, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post. “I’ve got a job to do: to go out there and win it for them.”

It's unclear what type of deal Judge is looking for or what the Yankees are willing to offer, but Anthony Rizzo told reporters Thursday that his teammate should get a significant raise. 

"I've talked to him a little bit about it," Rizzo said, per SNY. "At the end of the day, it's what's going to make him and (his wife) happy. What his value is and what his worth is is extremely high in this game. He's a legitimate MVP candidate every single year, and he knows that."

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is currently the highest-paid right fielder in baseball, earning $27.5 million this year, according to Spotrac. Chicago Cubs veteran Jason Heyward earns $24.5 million, while Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts makes $22.5 million. 

Judge has been a staple in the Yankees lineup since 2017, when he was named the AL Rookie of the Year. Last season, he slashed .287/.373/.544 with 39 home runs and 98 RBI in 148 games en route to an All-Star selection and Silver Slugger Award. He also finished fourth in AL MVP voting. 

Xander Bogaerts and the Boston Red Sox won't come to terms on an extension before Friday's Opening Day game against the New York Yankees, he told reporters Thursday. 

The star shortstop added that the Red Sox made him an offer but "it didn't work out." 

The news comes after MLB insider Hector Gomez reported the Red Sox and third baseman Rafael Devers were not making progress on an extension. The club offered the 25-year-old a contract, but he reportedly declined because it was lower than what he is willing to consider, Gomez added. 

Bogaerts, 29, signed a six-year, $120 million extension at the start of the 2019 season and will make $20 million in 2022. He has a player option worth $20 million for the 2023 season, though ESPN's Joon Lee reported in October 2021 that he plans to opt out.

Based on how the shortstop market has been over the last few years, it's possible Bogaerts gets an extension worth more than $20 million annually. However, he likely won't receive a deal similar to that of Carlos Correa, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins worth $35.1 million per year. 

For reference, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor makes $34.1 million annually, and Texas Rangers star Corey Seager makes $33 million per year. All three players are younger than Bogaerts and are viewed as better players at the position. 

Still, Bogaerts has made a name for himself in Boston, helping the Red Sox win two World Series. The three-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger hit .295/.370/.493 in 2021 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI in 144 games. 

And while Bogaerts has spent his entire nine-year career in Boston, the Red Sox might be willing to let him walk following the acquisition of Trevor Story, who signed a six-year, $140 million deal with the franchise this offseason. 

Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted that Bogaerts would remain the team's shortstop this season and that Story, who has played the position his entire career, would play second base. 

If Bogaerts plays elsewhere in 2023, Story could shift back to shortstop, but considering there's a full season of baseball ahead, it's best not to consider the what-ifs just yet. 

The Boston Red Sox will be starting the 2022 MLB season later than expected, but that might not provide much help toward working out a new contract with Rafael Devers before Opening Day.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Thursday the two sides "are not making progress" on an extension and that "it is almost certain" nothing will be finalized before the Red Sox begin play on Friday.

Devers will earn $11.2 million this year and is arbitration-eligible for one more year before he can hit free agency in 2024.

Red Sox fans won't forget the Mookie Betts trade anytime soon. Rather than extending Betts' contract or letting him hit free agency and trying their luck there, the Red Sox sent the five-time All-Star to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The longer Devers remains without a new contract, the more the fanbase might grow concerned he could be on the way out.

The 25-year-old third baseman is coming off a big 2021 season. He hit 38 home runs and finished with a .890 OPS and a 132 OPS+, per Baseball Reference. His 4.7 WAR were second-most at his position on FanGraphs.

Devers also delivered in the postseason, posting a .296/.392/.636 slash line as Boston pushed the Houston Astros to six games in the American League Championship Series.

There's no question about where he should theoretically fit into the franchise's long-term plans. But if ownership was willing to draw a line in the sand with Betts—one of the best position players in baseball—then it would presumably be willing to adopt the same tactic with Devers.

The return of meaningful games will help to shift the focus away from Devers' contract status, but the situation is likely to remain a subplot of the Red Sox's 2022 campaign.

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo offered his perspective on the business of baseball Thursday amid ongoing contract extension talks between star Aaron Judge and the Bronx Bombers:

Yankee 1B Anthony Rizzo, who went through contract extension talks with the #Cubs before they collapsed, has spoken to teammate Aaron Judge about his #Yankee contract talks. ‘You see Freddie Freeman isn’t on the Braves anymore. There’s no loyalty in this game.”

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 7, 2022

Judge, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2022 campaign, has said he is not interested in discussing an extension once the regular season begins.

"After Opening Day, I got a job to do," Judge said Monday, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera.

"I got something to focus on. We'll see at the end of the year ... if it comes to that point; it is what it is. Either way, it's going to be one year or multiple years, so I'm not too worried."

The Yankees were scheduled to begin the season at home against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, but that game was postponed because of rain. They are now scheduled to play Friday afternoon.

Judge will land a massive contract.

The 29-year-old, who is a three-time All-Star, finished fourth in American League MVP voting after hitting 39 home runs with 98 RBI and a team-leading .916 OPS last year.

He sports a lifetime .940 OPS and a 162-game average of 45 home runs and 104 RBI.

It remains to be seen when Judge will land the deal and where he'll spend the next portion of his career.

Audacy MLB insider Jon Heyman gave some insight on his Big Time Baseball podcast (h/t Logan Mullen of Audacy):

I think they’re going to get an extension. He’s got a smaller agent, I shouldn’t pick on them, but let’s face it, he’s got one huge player. Is he going to gamble and not take the big money, and I think they will offer big money.

Now, I heard early on that they were going to go north of (George) Springer, which is $150 million, they were going to go higher than that. Plus, he’s got about $19 million this year, so as an extension that would get you close to $200 million, more like 180, something like that, as an early offer. But I think they’ll go up from there and I think they will probably beat the $200 million mark. It depends on how much over 200 they go I think.

That's some hopeful speculation for Yankees fans, who witnessed Judge and Giancarlo Stanton drag an otherwise moribund offense to the playoffs last year. The season ended with a loss to the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Game, but Judge kept them in contention as other regulars struggled.

The Judge contract watch is ongoing, but the Yankees are also getting ready for their opener versus Boston. Game time is 1:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium.

Third baseman Rafael Devers reportedly has rejected a contract extension from the Boston Red Sox, per Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital, who offered more information Wednesday:

SOURCE: The #RedSox offered Rafael Devers a contract extension but the player rejected because it was lower than he is willing to consider. Devers will focus now on his 2022 season looking to further increase his market value.@z101digital @ZDeportes

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) April 6, 2022

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the two sides were "very far off."

Devers, 25, has played all five of his MLB seasons with the Red Sox. He earned American League All-Star and Silver Slugger honors last year after hitting .279 (.890 OPS) with 38 home runs and 113 RBI.

Devers is eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season.

Cotillo added more information on the Devers-Sox talks: "Devers has said he doesn't want to talk during the season. Still time before he's a free agent (end of 2023). Considering this is the first time the sides have really talked about a deal not a major surprise they're far off. Would take last-minute Hail Mary to do deal before Friday."

Ideally, the Red Sox would love to keep Devers around long-term. He has the potential to be a perennial All-Star and played a key role in the Red Sox's run to the American League Championship Series last year.

Another star third baseman, the Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez, recently landed a five-year, $124 million contract extension. He is guaranteed $150 million when including the 2022 season and the 2023 team option, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Unless Devers' play takes a nosedive in 2022, one has to figure he'll get a contract that meets or exceeds those numbers, either with the Red Sox via extension after the season or as a free agent in 2023.

Per FanGraphs, Devers' .373 WOBA (weighted on-base average) was second among all third basemen behind the Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley. He was second with a 4.7 WAR, behind only Ramirez (6.3 WAR).

For now, Devers and the Red Sox are focusing on the 2022 season. They'll start the year on the road against the New York Yankees on Friday afternoon.

The New York Yankees have struck a deal with Amazon Prime Video for the streaming service to air 21 games live, according to the New York Post's Andrew Marchand. 

Amazon Prime Video will be the exclusive broadcaster for those games, which won't be carried on YES Network in local markets.

The move is likely to be unpopular among followers of the Bronx Bombers as it adds another barrier to being able to catch all of the team's games this season.

Streaming live sports is only getting more complicated.

Want to watch the Yankees this year and live in New York? You'll need cable (for YES, ESPN, TBS and Fox), Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and probably also Peacock to be able to catch all the action. https://t.co/aAgfiEOl5t

— Eli Blumenthal (@eliblumenthal) March 31, 2022

Marchand added that the Amazon Prime Video package "will be only available in the Yankees' local footprint" but couldn't confirm whether that extends to blacking out games for out-of-market fans on MLB's streaming service:

This is actually not known, but I believe this wouldn't impact out of market viewing on MLB dot TV, as the exclusive Amazon games are only available locally on the service.

Common sense would say that they would still be available on MLB dot TV, which is an indication I've got. https://t.co/6hP4J80D0s

— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) March 31, 2022

The Hollywood Reporter's Georg Szalai and Alex Weprin reported in 2019 that Amazon was claiming a 15 percent ownership stake in YES through a deal with the Yankees. Marchand alluded to how shifting Yankees games to Amazon Prime Video was an inevitability once that partnership was formalized.

This is part of a wider trend for MLB as the league segmented its national broadcasts further for the upcoming season.

MLB partnered with Apple to launch Friday Night Baseball, a doubleheader that will be exclusive to Apple TV+. The Wall Street Journal's Lillian Rizzo and Jared Diamond also reported March 11 that MLB and NBCUniversal were nearing an agreement to stream a select number of Sunday games exclusively on Peacock.

This means more revenue across the board, albeit at a cost of potentially alienating fans at a time when baseball's popularity isn't at its apex.

Some will question why this is necessary for the Yankees when the team is in a healthy place financially. Forbes values the franchise at an MLB-high $6 billion, a 14 percent rise over the past year.

The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a $7.9 million contract for the 2022 season to avoid arbitration, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The 23-year-old hit .311 (1.002 OPS) with an American League-leading 48 home runs and 111 RBI last year. His 123 runs scored also led the AL.

Guerrero, who was named an All-Star and earned the Silver Slugger, finished second in the American League MVP voting behind the Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani.

Per Baseball-Reference, 2022 marks the first year that Guerrero was eligible for arbitration. He is currently set to become a free agent in 2026 barring an agreement on a long-term contract extension.

The Blue Jays would certainly hope to lock up one of the game's best players long-term. He's a big reason why Toronto, which posted losing seasons from 2017-19, has gotten back on track.

The Blue Jays made the playoffs in 2020 and finished one game short of them in 2021 despite a solid 91-71 mark. Per Baseball-Reference, the Jays were unlucky and actually finished with a Pythagorean record of 99-63.

Toronto lost ace pitcher Robbie Ray and slugging middle infielder Marcus Semien this offseason to free agency, but the Blue Jays still return some strong hitters (e.g. Guerrero, Bo Bichette, George Springer, Teoscar Hernandez). They also added starting right-hander Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 ERA).

Toronto opens its season on Friday, April 8 at home against the Texas Rangers.