Yankees' Harrison Bader: If Albert Pujols can leave, so can Aaron Judge

Outfielder Harrison Bader believes All-Star and teammate Aaron Judge could make a move away from the New York Yankees after the World Series. 

"Listen, if Albert Pujols … can [leave], anybody could [leave]," Bader explained during a Tuesday appearance on MLB Network, per Dan Martin of the New York Post. 

Bader was referencing how Pujols rejected an offer from the St. Louis Cardinals, his employer at the time, to sign with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2011. Meanwhile, Bader joined the Yankees via a trade from the Cardinals in August. 

"It’s a business," Bader continued about Judge, who is on track to reach free agency after he turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension offer from the Yankees before Opening Day. "I learned that very quickly this year. There are no hard feelings at all. It’s never personal. It’s about the game. Selfishly, I’d love to continue to be [Judge’s] teammate. He’s an incredible talent." 

It's been said that Judge could receive a guaranteed deal of up to $500 million over 10 years if he elects to hit the open market once the Fall Classic concludes. 

"[Judge] earned everything that’s coming his way," Bader remarked. "I wish him the absolute best wherever he ends up. It’s a decision he and his family will make. … I’m looking forward to see how it shakes out." 

Stories have pointed out that Judge spoke about the Yankees in the past tense shortly after they were swept by the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series. It's also been reported that the 30-year-old and other members of the Bronx Bombers were left upset by reactions they received from Yankee Stadium crowds throughout the season and the club's failed postseason run. 

Retired slugger Jose Canseco recently campaigned for Judge to sign elsewhere and "run" from the "dump" that is the New York scene. 

A previous report claimed that "there appears to be some real concern within the Yankees' ranks about their chances to keep Judge" even though multiple insiders have noted they think team owner Hal Steinbrenner won't let the presumed Most Valuable Player go without putting up at least a significant fight.