Aaron Judge looked like he might have been heading the San Fransisco Giants – but a reporter admitted he was too quick to send a tweet that all but confirmed he would sign with the team.
New York Post columnist Jon Heyman reported that it sounded like the 2022 American League MVP “appears headed to the Giants,” according to screenshots posted by fans.
However, he quickly retracted it and admitted he was too quick to hit send.
That came after Heyman reported that the Giants made an offer in the $360 million ballpark to Judge.
It’s unclear if the star outfielder would give the New York Yankees a chance to match it.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner has previously indicated that the Yankees will not be outbid for Judge.
“We have plenty of ability to make (your contract) happen and still have money to make other things happen too,” he said earlier this week, citing a conversation he had with Judge recently.
Judge was named the AL MVP winner for 2022 after hitting a historic 62 home runs.
If the Yankees or the Giants whiff on Judge, that could lead them to move elsewhere in free agency.
That could be lefthanded batter Brandon Nimmo, who played center field for the New York Mets in 2022.
Of course, the power isn’t comparable – but he serves as more of a player who prioritizes getting on-base.
In 2022, Nimmo hit .274/.367/.433 (batting average, on-base and slugging percentage).
Judges’ numbers last year were much superior, posting .311/.425/.686.
But it’s very possible that the Judge sweepstakes could be nearing an end.
Over the past several days, major players including Jacob deGrom, Trea Turner and Justin Verlander have all signed deals with new teams.
But for now, the Giants are waiting to hear back from Judge – but it’s possible he could sign at any moment.
