New York Yankees fans might feel better about the team's ability to keep Aaron Judge after listening to Hal Steinbrenner. The Yankees owner seems confident that the team won't lose the likely AL MVP in MLB free agency.

Steinbrenner has met with Judge since the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs and believes that New York's best player wants to stay with the team. Often criticized for limiting New York's payroll, Steinbrenner indicated that he's willing to spend big on Judge and other free agents.

"Honestly, my budget for Judge is going to be what it's going to be and what I feel like we can do," Steinbrenner told reporters at MLB owners meetings Tuesday.."It's not limitless, obviously. ... In my opinion we're going to be able to sign Aaron.

"That's not going to stop me from signing other people. Some guys are going to come off the board sooner than others, and if it's somebody we need or feel we need then I got to make the decision to continue improving the club and not hold back until we figure out Aaron."

Just prior to Opening Day of the 2022 season, Judge turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million extension. After putting together one of the greatest seasons in recent MLB history, Judge could receive offers worth well north of $300 million on the open market.

There has been speculation that Judge was upset with General Manager Brian Cashman for publicly stating how much money the Yankees offered the outfielder. The San Francisco Giants are viewed as a threat to lure Judge away from New York.

Steinbrenner has made it clear that he doesn't want Judge to play anywhere else.

"I've absolutely conveyed that I want him to be a Yankee for the rest of his life," Steinbrenner said. "No doubt about that. He knows the rest is up to him and his family and where they want to go from here, but we're going to do what we can. I can assure you."

Shortly after Steinbrenner spoke about Judge, it was reported that the Yankees made their first significant move of the offseason. New York has re-signed first baseman Anthony Rizzo in a deal worth at least $34 million over the next two seasons with a $17 million option for the 2025 campaign.

The Yankees were eliminated by the Houston Astros in the ALCS for the third time since 2017. New York hasn't been to the Fall Classic since winning the 2009 World Series.

Aaron Judge New York Yankees
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a double to left field to score Brett Gardner #11 and Aaron Hicks #31 against Trevor Bauer #47 of the Cleveland Indians during the second inning in Game Four of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Mike Stobe/Getty Images