The Giants took a big swing in free agency for Bryce Harper in Farhan Zaidi’s first offseason at the helm. Is it time to take another one?
It’s quite likely according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who reported on Thursday that the Giants are considered to be the biggest threat to sign Yankees slugger Aaron Judge this offseason when he hits the free agent market.
“One Yankees person was heard to remark recently that just five other teams can reasonably afford Judge — the Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Cubs and Red Sox,” Heyman wrote. “Though they shouldn’t make assumptions — who saw the Rangers, Twins and Tigers spending huge? — the Yankees are probably right in viewing the Giants as the most logical threat.”
Judge, 30, is a native of the Central Valley, and grew up rooting for the Giants. San Francisco previously struck out on both Harper and Giancarlo Stanton, showing they are willing to try and catch the biggest fish even if they haven’t landed one yet.
“The biggest negative for San Francisco in any pursuit is that beautiful ballpark, which may not be seen as such by hitters,” Heyman continued. “Home runs are much harder to hit there. Overall since 2020, the Yankees are fourth in park factor for homers, the Giants 23rd.”
The Giants are projected to have a payroll of less than $103 million next offseason, well below the $233 million competitive balance tax. If Judge is interested, San Francisco could easily afford his desired $36 million per year salary.
Judge reportedly turned down a $213.5 million, seven-year extension ($30.5 million per) starting in 2023 from the Yankees in the spring.
Judge is having an MVP caliber season in 2022, leading the league in runs (48), home runs (22), slugging percentage (.671) and on-base plus slugging (1.055). Judge is a two time All-Star and has finished in the top five of MVP voting twice, coming in second place in 2017.