Yankee fans can breathe easier. Aaron Judge likely will finish his career in pinstripes.
This morning, Judge, the AL HR champ, re-upped with the Bombers for 9 years and upwards of $300 million, making him the centerpiece of the franchise into the next decade.
The Yankees outbid San Diego & San Francisco in particular to keep Judge, but other teams have been busy, too.
The Mets said good-bye to Taijuan Walker, who moves to division rival Philadelphia on a 4 year, $72 million deal. Walker had two solid years in Flushing, despite fading down the stretch each year, something the Phillies have to watch out for, now that they have three ex-Mets (Noah Syndergaard & Zack Wheeler being the others) in their rotation. Philadelphia also added reliever Matt Strahm (Boston) earlier today.
This comes after the Phils brought shortstop Trea Turner back into the NL East after spending the last 1 1/2 seasons with the Dodgers, who acquired him from Washington at the 2021 trade deadline.
While San Francisco didn't land Judge, the Giants did acquire Mitch Haniger (Seattle). The Yankees lost starter Jameson Taillon, who returns to the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs. Boston filled the bullpen hole created by Strahm's departure by picking up closer Kenley Jansen (Atlanta).
Meanwhile, AL Central champ Cleveland bolstered its offense by bagging 1B/DH Josh Bell (San Diego/Washington). A week ago, Philadelphia lost starter Zach Eflin, who moved to the bullpen during the playoffs, to Tampa Bay, necessitating the signing of Walker.
In other Mets news, the team has reached a deal with pitcher Jose Quintana (St. Louis) for 2 years and $26 million. The Mets have also brought back reliever Sean Reid-Foley, who missed most of the 2022 season due to injury. However, they could end up losing Seth Lugo, who is being looked at as a starter by Kansas City.
The Cubs also secured 1B/OF Cody Bellinger (Dodgers) to strengthen their offense.
Now you know why they refer to the postseason as the Hot Stove League.
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