The “massive bargain” exploding across Yankees fandom centers on the incredible value and production delivered by captain Aaron Judge, whose current contract—once seen as gargantuan—is now considered a significant bargain for the New York Yankees due to his unparalleled performance and the subsequent inflation of the MLB contract market.
The Superstar: Aaron Judge
The star being discussed is undoubtedly Aaron Judge (the main character in the value debate). The viral conversation stems from the incredible production he has delivered since signing his extension and the context of the recent market explosion.
| Contract Detail | Value | Context for the Bargain |
| Contract: | 9 years, $360 million | Signed before the 2023 season. |
| AAV (Average Annual Value): | $40 million | Was the highest AAV for a position player at the time of signing. |
| 2025 Performance: | AL MVP (his third, second consecutive), AL Batting Title (.331), AL Hank Aaron Award, and leading the Majors with a 1.144 OPS (53 HR). | His production in the subsequent years has exceeded expectations, making his $40M AAV seem like a steal. |
The “Bargain” Argument: Why Judge is Underpaid
The viral posts and arguments supporting the “massive bargain” claim rely on a direct comparison to other recent contracts:
- The Juan Soto Inflation: The most compelling argument is the contrast with Juan Soto’s massive contract with the New York Mets, which reportedly reached $765 million over 15 years.
- The Comparison: If Soto, who is younger but generally seen as a less complete player (he doesn’t pitch, and his defense/baserunning are not elite like Judge’s), is worth over $51 million per year, then Judge’s $40 million AAV for similar or better production is a clear bargain.
- The Ohtani Factor: While Shohei Ohtani’s contract is $700 million, the present-day value is significantly lower due to massive deferrals. Judge’s $40 million annual payout is one of the highest true AAVs, but even that is considered low for his unique ability to combine a generational bat with elite defense and unparalleled brand value.
- Intangible Value: Fans argue that Judge’s value is “immeasurable” to the Yankees. He is the team captain, the undisputed face of the franchise, and a guaranteed ticket and merchandise seller. His cultural and leadership value far surpasses the $40 million he receives, making him a bargain in terms of ROI (Return on Investment).
In short, for the performance Judge is delivering—a three-time MVP and one of the most dominant hitters of his generation—a $40 million average salary is viewed by many in the Yankees sphere as significantly below his true market value, turning his massive deal into an unexpected, decade-long bargain.
The Yankees are now focused on building the roster around their captain. Would you like the latest news on their offseason plan to replace Juan Soto in the outfield?
