One team is surprisingly unheard from in the Aaron Judge sweepstakes

When it comes to the Aaron Judge sweepstakes in free agency, there is one team that has been quiet.

Ever since the World Series concluded, the focus was on big-name free agent outfielder Aaron Judge. After turning down a $213.5 million contract offer from the New York Yankees ahead of the season, Judge had a historic season, which saw him hit 62 home runs and win the AL MVP award in convincing fashion.

So far this offseason, we know that the Yankees have made a new offer to Judge, and that the San Francisco Giants met with him over Thanksgiving weekend. But one team that hasn’t been heard from are the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As Dan Martin of the New York Post writes in his latest article, the Dodgers interest in entering the Judge sweepstakes is “unknown” as of Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Dodgers surprisingly quiet in Aaron Judge sweepstakes

Baseball fans have become used to the Dodgers jumping into the market for the best players in all areas. Whether that is trade for outfielder Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox, acquiring Max Scherzer and Trea Turner at the 2021 trade deadline, or signing former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman last winter.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post brought up the Dodgers wanting to cut down some of their $290 million payroll, while also bringing up how they have a need at shortstop with Turner hitting free agency and likely commanding a huge contract.

Judge has reportedly already received an eight-year, $300 million contract offer from the Yankees, but could increase it depending on how far the Giants push the market, per ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (subscription required).

Not just that, but Passan says that Judge is expected to agree to terms on a contract by the conclusion of the MLB winter meetings, which begin on Sunday, Dec. 4 and end on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

We should get an answer about the Dodgers involvement during the winter meetings.