MLB Free Agency: Aaron Judge Being Recruited By San Francisco Giants' Players, Ownership
The San Francisco Giants want Aaron Judge, and various members of the organization are trying to lure the 2022 AL MVP away from the New York Yankees. After MLB's top free agent reportedly met with the Giants' front office, San Francisco players have joined the recruiting effort.
Judge had multiple meetings with Giants' personnel Tuesday, including ownership, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports. Giants outfielder Joc Pederson made his own pitch to Judge on social media, tagging the four-time All-Star in an Instagram post that said, "'We're ready when you are."
Pederson accepted a one-year, $19.65 million qualifying offer to return to San Francisco for the 2023 season. The 30-year-old was an All-Star in his only season with the Giants, hitting 23 home runs with a .874 OPS in 134 games.
Judge is expected to command a contract well north of $300 million. After setting the AL record with 62 home runs in a season, Judge could significantly improve a San Francisco roster that went 81-81 last season and missed the playoffs.
The Giants probably haven't made a formal offer to Judge yet, according to Morosi, but that could change within the week. San Francisco is viewed as the favorite to sign the Yankees star.
Judge is from California and grew up following the Giants. San Francisco is expected to be a big spender this offseason in hopes of getting back to championship contention.
San Francisco led the majors with 107 wins in the 2021 season before losing in the NLDS. The Giants won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Judge has met with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner since the conclusion of the season. New York was swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
The Yankees have made the playoffs each year since Judge was named the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year. New York hasn't been back to the Fall Classic since winning the 2009 World Series.
Judge led the league with 62 home runs, 131 RBI, a .425 OPS and a .686 slugging percentage in the 2022 season.
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