“We’ll see what happens” were Aaron Judge’s parting words on a quote that made the rounds through the MLB community on Monday afternoon.
Judge, speaking on his upcoming free agency and specifically his desire to return to the Yankees, said: “I’ve been clear about that since I first wore the pinstripes. But we couldn’t get something done before spring training and now I’m a free agent and we’ll see what happens.”
2022 was a career year for Judge, who broke the American League’s home run record with 62 dingers. His batting line of .311/.425/.686 was good for an outstanding 1.111 OPS and 10.6 WAR.
Could the Yankee’s best slugger of this millennium stay in New York but switch leagues? Early betting lines say it’s possible. Per oddschecker.com, the Mets have the best odds to land Judge if he doesn’t return to the Bronx at +300.
With Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, the Mets will be linked to every big free agent, but how likely is it that Aaron Judge suits up in blue and orange next season?
Signing Judge opens a plethora of options in the Mets’ outfield and at DH. Last season Judge played 78 games in center field and 73 in right field. Should Judge end up in the outfield with Starling Marte it likely makes the team less likely to bring back Brandon Nimmo, since both Judge and Marte can play center field.
Judge would add desperately needed power to a Mets lineup that wilted at the plate down the stretch, and if he gets out of the Bronx there is no doubt Cohen and the Mets will try to lure him to Queens.
Judge’s now former teammate Anthony Rizzo believes Judge should be awarded for the season he just had.
“I think that he bet on himself on the biggest stage, in the biggest market and did it with ease…” Rizzo said. “He’s the new gold standard, in my opinion.”
Judge made the last out of the Yankees season, as they were swept 4-0 by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Yankees came up short in the postseason throughout Judge’s career. Maybe a change of scenery is needed for him to finally win that World Series.
