The Giants open their 2023 season in Yankee Stadium, and it’s possible they’ll do so with the Yankees’ best player wearing orange and black.
San Francisco is expected to aggressively pursue Aaron Judge when free agency opens five days after the end of the World Series. According to one source who spoke with Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media anonymously, that means they’ll do anything in their financial power to sign Judge away from the Bronx.
“Judge is at the top of the Giants list and they won’t be underbid,” the source told NJ.com. “If they miss out, it won’t be because of money.”
The source reportedly met with members of San Francisco’s ownership group before explaining to NJ.com that the Giants are prepared to spend whatever it takes to land the 30-year-old Judge.
After turning down a seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension offer from the Yankees, Judge hit an American League record 62 home runs — one of the most spectacular offensive seasons ever.
Vegas odds released Tuesday morning from BetOnline.ag listed the Giants as favorites to sign Judge — if he leaves the Yankees.
As reflected by those odds, the Dodgers have emerged as a potential suitor, given the amount of money coming off their books. Los Angeles could sign Judge and move All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts to second base.
Asked after the Yankees were eliminated by Houston in the ALCS if his goal is to remain in New York, Judge left things open-ended.
“Yeah, I’ve been clear about that since I first wore the pinstripes, but we couldn’t get something done before spring training,” Judge said. “And now I’m a free agent and we’ll see what happens.”
A person close to Judge told NJ.com that the Giants are his No. 1 choice and predicted he’ll end up in San Francisco.
The Giants will have to outspend the Yankees to lure Judge, the Linden, CA native, back to Northern California. With roughly $100 million committed to the 2023 roster, including arbitration estimates, the Giants have the capital to make a splash (or two).
“The Giants are not going to stop with Judge,” the person told NJ.com. “They have so much money freed up.”
Judge will command significantly more than the $213 million New York offered him last winter. Under Farhan Zaidi, the Giants have never signed a player to a mega deal but did reportedly offered Bryce Harper 12 years, $310 million in 2019.
San Francisco missed the playoffs with an 81-81 record in 2022. Just a year prior, the Giants won a MLB-best 107 wins before being ousted in the NLDS by the rival Dodgers. Many fans have been clamoring for a superstar presence.
“The Giants are confident that they can sign Judge,” the person told NJ.com. “It will be interesting for sure.”