3 Yankees who won’t be back next season if they miss the playoffs

Aaron Judge

After enduring trade rumors involving Aaron Judge at the trade deadline, Yankees fans may have to brace themselves for the possibility of his name coming up again this offseason.

Judge is set to become a free agent after the 2022 season. He’s due for a huge new contract and the Yankees will have to make a decision about how competitive they want to be with their offer.

Or, they can cash in while they can.

Missing the playoffs could be the sign that the team needs more help than Judge can give them. There may be greater value in a trade than giving him a massive payday.

New York just added Joey Gallo, who is younger than Judge and will be looking for his own big long-term contract. They’ll have to make a decision on Rizzo as well. Plus, they have other hefty contracts already clogging up the books.

Judge could bring in a huge return, whether it’s prospects or pitching help.

It wouldn’t be an easy call by any stretch, but it’s absolutely within the realm of possibility.