David Cone: Aaron Judge would miss Yankees, New York

Former pitcher David Cone has advised All-Star slugger Aaron Judge to commit his long-term future to the New York Yankees. 

Per Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Cone discussed the subject during the latest edition of the "Toeing The Slab" podcast. 

"Being in the spotlight," Cone explained about Judge, "you’re going to miss it. You miss it when you leave it." 

Cone knows from experience. He pitched for the New York Mets from 1987 through 1992 and was later acquired by the Yankees in the summer of 1995. He now serves as an analyst for the YES Network, the television home of the Bronx Bombers. 

Multiple reports have suggested that negative experiences Judge and others had during games played at Yankee Stadium this summer and fall could entice the 30-year-old to sign elsewhere. Cone insisted the four-time All-Star selection would "miss that spotlight" and also "the passion" of Yankees fans if he doesn't remain in the Big Apple. 

"Yeah, he got booed," Cone added about Judge. "Whether it was fair or not or right or wrong, yeah, we know, his teammates have gotten booed. We know the Yankee fanbase can be tough. But they are so passionate. You are an absolute hero when you come through for that fan base. That’s something that gets in your blood, something you’re definitely going to miss and he understands that as well. That’s why we saw him in the postseason — hit a big home run in the postseason — kind of soccer-style grab the jersey and kiss the logo." 

Cone somewhat echoed comments made by Yankees great Don Mattingly earlier this week, but neither seems to know for sure what Judge will do after he rejected New York's seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension offer before Opening Day. While Judge is a free agent clear to sign with any team, some believe the Yankees keeping Anthony Rizzo could help convince the presumed American League Most Valuable Player to also put pen to paper on a new deal with the storied club. 

For what it's worth, Cone does think Judge's "first choice" is to re-sign with the Yankees. It's now up to team owner Hal Steinbrenner to show Judge the money this offseason.