Here’s what Aaron Judge said on free agency after Yankees were eliminated

The New York Yankees were swept out of the postseason by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. With that in mind, it’s officially free agency season for Aaron Judge.

Aaron Judge’s free agency has been looming over the entire postseason, and rightly so. Judge hit 62 home runs this season, setting an American League record in the process.

Despite a lackluster postseason, Judge is expected to receive a contract in excess of $300 million, with an astronomical AAV.

Judge and his representation tried to get a deal done with the Yankees prior to the start of spring training, but failed to do so. Brian Cashman allowed Judge to bet on himself, and that could turn out to be a mistake. New York’s final offer was just $230 million.

Yankees: What Aaron Judge said about free agency

Aaron Judge was asked about free agency after New York’s Game 4 loss to Houston. His answer, in the moment, was surprisingly poignant.

When Judge was asked if he wanted to be a Yankee, he responded with an emphatic yes. Of course, there was a caveat:

"“I’ve been clear about that since I first wore the pinstripes. But we couldn’t get something done before spring training. Now I’m a free agent. We’ll see what happens,” Judge said. “That’s all going to run through my agent. I haven’t even thought about the next step yet. But like I said, we’ve got time to figure it out.”"

Judge is the face of the Yankees — and the most prominent player to wear pinstripes since Derek Jeter. He’s well-known not just throughout New York City, but the country itself. Were he to move elsewhere, it would be a detriment to the Yankees brad and arguably the league, if only because New York is its largest market.

It’s a long offseason ahead. Buckle up.