Aaron Judge free agency rumors: Where things stand for the Yankees

All attention turns to Aaron Judge and his free agency now that the Yankees season is over. Here is where things stand.

What was a historic season for Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees came to a bitter end on Sunday night as they were swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS on their home field.

Judge, who set a Yankee and American Leauge record for most home runs (62) in a single season, now enters free agency. It’s possible his last game with the Yankees was an 0-for-4 showing, and his last at-bat an infield groundout in an elimination game. He and other Yankees free agents could be on their way out. 

Judge has become the face of the franchise and deserves to be named captain if he re-signs with the team. Right now, though, that’s a substantial if.

There are months of negotiations to be had, but here’s everything to know now that the season is over regarding Aaron Judge’s free agency. Judge officially becomes a free agent on November 6th.

Aaron Judge enters free agency. Here’s everything to know now that the Yankees season is over

Before the season, the Yankees and Judge were involved in contract extension talks. Those talks resulted in no deal. General manager Brian Cashman went public with what they offered Judge, which reportedly upset Judge.

Judge talked with David Cone earlier this season. His comments indicated that he was open to figuring a contract out, “before the year ends.” Here’s what he had to say:

"“We’ll handle all that other stuff later. If we get to figure all that stuff out before the year ends, that’d be great, but I’ve still got great communication with all the Yankee brass, man.”"

It’s unclear whether he meant by the end of the season or the calendar year. Obviously, if he meant the end of the season, that time has passed.

Early competition for the Yankees appears to be the San Francisco Giants, according to Bob Nightengale. Judge grew up in California, so they have the hometown advantage. A family member of Paul O’Neil recently refuted sourceless rumors that Judge is extremely likely to sign with the Giants.

Also, the Giants are prioritizing Judge over other stars like Trea Turner. So expect the Giants to put all their chips in here.

Judge wasn’t very revealing in his postgame interview following the ALCS sweep. He said he wanted to stay in New York while simultaneously shutting down hope:

In the same press conference, he spoke hopefully about wanting to finally get there, using the word “we.” Yankees fans will grasp onto that, for sure.

For now, we have very little info, but we know plenty of teams will pay him big money and drive up the market for the Yankees, at the very least.