Watch: Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has had 'very positive' conversations with Aaron Judge
New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has offered promising news for fans regarding the future of All-Star slugger Aaron Judge.
As Ryan Chichester mentioned for Audacy, Steinbrenner spoke with Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network about Judge and other topics for an interview that will air on television this coming Monday night.
"I have had more than one conversation with Aaron since the season ended," Steinbrenner explained. "I’ll leave it at that. Very positive conversations."
Marakovits then asked Steinbrenner if he is confident the Yankees will be able to re-sign Judge.
"I have made it clear to him that that is our wish," Steinbrenner responded. "He means a lot to this organization, and I’ve made it very clear to him that we’re gonna do everything we can to make that happen."
Judge famously rejected a seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension offer from the Yankees before Opening Day and then hit free agency this week after the two sides failed to come to terms on a deal during the season and shortly after the World Series. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Jake Mintz of Fox Sports, MLB insider Jon Heyman, and ESPN's Jeff Passan are among knowledgeable individuals who have predicted Judge will ultimately put pen to paper on a massive deal with the Bronx Bombers.
Not everyone is convinced.
For a piece published Thursday, The Athletic's Jim Bowden said the Los Angeles Dodgers "are a real threat" to sign the Linden, California, native before Christmas. Meanwhile, Judge's barber has teased he "kind of got some inside information" that the uncrowned American League Most Valuable Player will head to the San Francisco Giants. Judge grew up a fan of the Giants on the West Coast.
Back in late October, Steinbrenner broke the news he was keeping Aaron Boone as his manager through at least the start of next season. Steinbrenner wasn't able to make such a declaration this time around but suggested he won't lose a bidding war for Judge without putting up a significant fight.
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