5 teams that should already be calling the Yankees about Aaron Judge

The Tigers were loosely tied to one of last offseasons biggest free agents (J.T. Realmuto), and looking toward the offseason they are easy to tie to some upcoming free agents. With just $37 million in committed payroll for 2022 (before arbitration for some players), and $32 of that strictly to Miguel Cabrera, Detroit is lined up to be a serious player next winter.

The Tigers also happen to have an obvious need in the outfield, and MLB Pipeline’s second-ranked farm system going into this year to deal from. Judge would be a nice piece to help finish off a rebuild.

The Cardinals went all-in to get Nolan Arenado during the offseason, but the Rockies picked up a lot of the money he’s due over the next several years and they didn’t give up any of their top prospects. Their outfield is full of youth (Dylan Carlson, Harrison Bader, Tyler O’Neill, Justin Williams), without mentioning top-10 prospect Jhon Torres. Judge can certainly offer a boost though, and further fortify the middle of the lineup with another right-handed power bat.

St. Louis always has high expectations, and some level of World Series aspirations. Trading for Judge would be a signal to the rest of the NL Central, and the rest of the Senior Circuit, that they mean business in 2021 (and beyond).