“Want to come to an agreement” – Aaron Judge comments on new contract with New York Yankees

“Want to come to an agreement” – Aaron Judge comments on new contract with New York Yankees

Aaron Judge

New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge hopes the ongoing conversations on a one-year deal or a long-term contract can be completed before the team’s opener on April 7.

Earlier, Judge expressed his disappointment that a deal didn’t reach before Tuesday’s deadline to swap proposed arbitration salaries. He asked for a more than 100 per cent hike from $10.175 million to $21 million, while the Yankees offered $17 million ahead of the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

Due to this, the slugging outfielder is eligible to become a free agent after the World Series.

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“I think both sides, we want to come to an agreement,” Judge said Wednesday. “I know both filed numbers but that doesn’t mean the communication stops. Hopefully, we can continue to communicate and kind of find a number that works for both of us.”

“Not too happy about arbitration meetings”

Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge

The California born Judge, who turns 30 next month, hit .287 with 39 homers and 98 RBIs in 148 games last season. 

“We’ve both kind of talked about it but no numbers,” Judge said. “I’m optimistic but it’s a short window.”

Meanwhile, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman are open to working on a long-term deal. On the other hand, Judge has consistently said he will not talk about a new contract once the season begins.

“I’m not too happy about arbitration meetings,” Judge said. “I think both sides want to avoid that, go into that room, fight each other a little bit and bring out the boxing gloves, but I’m prepared for that.”

“I want to play here, I want to finish my career here,” he reiterated. “There’s no better place to play.”

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