6 factors that will determine whether you stay with the Yankees

NEW YORK – There may be an ongoing World Series, and the NFL, NBA, and NHL all have their stage.

But for Yankees Universe residents, it’s Aaron Judge Season from now until his signature reaches a new contract.

Expect this to be a patient and measured process as one of the Judge’s bats waits until he takes exactly the right step.

Until then, every sighting, every social media post at a restaurant or arena will be scrutinized for clues as to whether Judge is staying in the Bronx or leaving the Yankees.

Even a few weeks of silence can mean something.

Let’s examine some of the biggest factors that can influence a judge’s decision:

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‘A Yankee for Life’

All the old stuff about having a great Yankee career is in play for Judge, with a possible appointment as the first captain of the Yankees since Derek Jeter.

The judge deeply appreciates what it means to be a local Yankee star and the club’s rich history.

What will all this mean at contract time?

About an hour after being swept from the AL Championship Series by the Houston Astros, which ended the Yankees season on Sunday night, Judge made some sort of statement.

Commenting on wanting to be a Yankee for life, the judge said, “I’ve been clear about it since I first wore the pinstripes.” “But we couldn’t do anything before spring practice.

“And now, I’m a free agent. We’ll see what happens.”

The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (99) signs autographs before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, October 2, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

A missed chance, a winning bet

Yes, the Yankees had a chance to lock down Judge before Inauguration Day and turned down the team’s best bids, which they made public.

Team Judge wasn’t thrilled to share instantly that the club’s superstar sluggers had turned down a $213.5 million ($30.5 million annually) extension starting in 2023.

Judge’s team is said to be looking for something in the $36 million range, Gerrit Cole’s annual salary on a nine-year deal.

Based on the judge’s belief in his own health and performance, and the Yankees’ miscalculation, his next contract should exceed $300 million.

Golden Gate homecoming

Has the enjoyment of playing in New York been diminished by other factors?

During Judge’s 16v1 ALCS – after clasping 62 homers and catching an almost rare Triple Crown in the AL MVP season – did the groans and boos line him up any more than he did?

Judge’s All Rise Foundation is located in his small hometown of Linden, California, where his mother Patty is the executive director.

The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge hugs his mother, Patty Judge, after the team’s baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Toronto. The judge made his 61st home run of the season.

Last winter, Judge married his college sweetheart from Fresno State.

Will Judge’s family roots in Northern California dominate the Bay Area?

If so, a team is in a position to make him a unique offer.

Huge opportunity in San Francisco

Judge’s growing team was the San Francisco Giants (favorite player: Rich Aurilia).

Giants head of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has hired a new GM, and the club has payroll flexibility as it enters 2023 and is coming out of a disappointing 81-81 season (they won 107 games in 2021).

September 30, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; The San Francisco Giants celebrate after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

As a presence in the Giants’ layout and clubhouse, Judge could instantly put San Francisco back in the fray against powerhouse NL West rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

Money Ball trio

Regardless of their current inflated payrolls, the Yankees have capital and incentive – how about those record YES grades while chasing Roger Maris’s AL single-season home record – to outshine everyone else for Judge.

But the risk of letting free-acting test out has the potential to take action from big spenders.

Are the Dodgers and Mets more motivated to discover a Referee signing after a hugely disappointing October for both clubs?

Can you imagine Judge targeting Green Monster in 81 home games on the other side of The Rivalry?

Coming out of a lousy season, the Red Sox could have a really interesting winter.

Mysterious team!

There’s always one, isn’t there?

How about the Los Angeles Angels?

Supposedly new ownership is coming, and while there is some uncertainty about Shohei Ohtani’s Orange County future, the Angels at least have the potential to claim a Judge.

This article was originally published on NorthJersey.com: Will Aaron Judge leave the New York Yankees in the free cast?