Yankees, Judge can’t reach new contract before Opening Day

NEW YORK (WHEC) — The New York Yankees and OF Aaron Judge fell short of a new contract on the deadline previously set by Judge.

Judge, 29, broke onto the scene with the Yankees in 2017, hitting a career best 52 home runs. Now in the final year of his contract, Judge expressed that he wanted to come to a new deal before Friday’s first pitch. However, as of 1:08 p.m., the two sides had yet to agree to terms of an extension.

Reports from NJ.com said the Yankees had offered Judge a multi-year contract worth well over $200 million. Mike Trout is currently the highest paid outfielder at 10-years, $360 million.

Sources close to the situation say the Yankees are prepared to make Judge the second-highest paid outfielder in the game, but are cautious of his past injuries. Judge played in just over 60% of games from 2018-2020. However, last season, he appeared in 148 games, his most since the 2017 season.

Contract negotiations didn’t seem to bother Judge on the field. On Opening Day, he hit 2-for-5 with a double and one run.