Are the San Francisco Giants a legitimate threat to the New York Yankees to steal away free agent slugger Aaron Judge? According to the latest betting odds, there is a legitimate chance that Judge ends up in the Bay Area.
During his historic 2022 season, Judge faced questions about his future time and time again. And while he maintained his love for New York, Judge certainly left the door open to the potential that it was his last season wearing pinstripes. When the Yankees lost to the Houston Astros in the ALCS, the attention immediately shifted to Judge’s free agency decision. The Yankees were initially the heavy betting favorites to retain Judge, but those odds have changed slightly. After opening at +300 to land Aaron Judge, the Giants are now all the way up to +170.
Check out the latest Aaron Judge next team odds, via DraftKings:
According to ESPN, the Yankees' latest offer to Judge for an eight-year deal "in the neighborhood" of $300 million. That offer would make Judge the highest-paid player annually in MLB, but still expect the number to be driven up if a bidding war ensues.
The 30-year-old met last week with the Giants, who were expected to roll out the red carpet in their continued pursuit of the biggest star on the free agent market. The pursuit was reportedly looking to involve Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and former Giants catcher Buster Posey. Curry was not able to meet with Judge in person last week but is expected to stay in touch as the process continues.
Judge was voted American League MVP after he broke Roger Maris’ record by hitting 62 home runs, adding 131 RBIs and 133 runs while slashing .311/.425/.686.
The outfielder engaged in talks with the Yankees prior to his career year but ultimately turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million offer.
It's safe to say Aaron Judge will be getting a much larger contract than that after the bet on himself most definitely paid off.
