Fansided

5 bold predictions for the Yankees 2021 offseason

By Rucker Haringey

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 6: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees during the AL Wild Card playoff game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 6: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees during the AL Wild Card playoff game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 1-0, clinching an American League Wild Card spot at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) /

3. Aaron Judge will get a massive deal

The Yankees didn’t enjoy a successful season as a franchise, but Judge was one individual who delivered a big year for Boone and his staff. The talented slugger led the team in runs, homers, and RBIs last year. He still has one year left of arbitration before he hits the open market, but the Yankees should look to lock him up via a long-term deal this offseason.

The idea for New York will be to get some meaningful concession from Judge in exchange for buying out the final year of his team control. He made just over $10 million last season and will certainly be due a hefty raise after his highly-productive 2021 season.

Cashman and the front office will look to double his salary in 2022 and beyond as a way to prevent him from ever hitting the open market. Remember, it’s also important for the Yankees to retain their face of the franchise. That’s unquestionably Judge at the current point in time.

The key for Cashman and company will be to try to limit the years, not dollars, due to their All-Star outfielder. A five-year deal would be great for the Yankees but look for them to be pushed out another season or two. Judge is going to get paid and it makes sense for New York to get it done this offseason to make sure acrimony doesn’t develop between the team and their most popular player.

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