Yankees star Aaron Judge open to extension talks during 2022 MLB season?

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters in April that slugger Aaron Judge rejected a seven-year, $213.5 million extension, and the four-time All-Star selection said on multiple occasions that he would not continue contract talks past Opening Day. 

Cashman, meanwhile, publicly stated he was open to resuming conversations with Judge's side regarding the future of the Most Valuable Player candidate who is set to hit free agency following the campaign. As SNY's Scott Thompson explained, Judge teased during an interview with ESPN's David Cone that aired during the "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcast that he also may be willing to discuss a deal with Cashman and company this summer. 

"Didn’t get it done and now it’s the easy part, focus on playing baseball," Judge remarked about an extension. "The game that I love with such a great team and so many great people surrounding me. It’s made it a fun couple of months.

"We’ll handle all that other stuff later. If we figure it out before the year ends, that’d be great. But I still got great communication with all the Yankee brass. They’re great. It’s been a privilege playing here the past six seasons, and I’m looking forward to hopefully some more."

Per ESPN stats, Judge began Monday leading all of MLB with 30 home runs this season. He's tied for fourth overall with 65 RBI, and he's fifth with an OPS of .971.