Yankees Rumors: Aaron Judge Fails to Reach Contract with NYY; Will Enter Arbitration

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Yankees and Judge failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, so they'll go to arbitration.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com provided the information.

Mark Feinsand @Feinsand

Aaron Judge filed for $21 million, while the Yankees filed at $17 million, per source.

A source told the New York Post that the Yankees will make a long-term contract offer to Judge within the next week.

Judge told reporters that he was only interested in getting a new deal done before the opening day.

"If we're able to talk and get something done in spring training before the season starts, that would be ideal, especially since this is an important year. We've got a lot of things to focus on during the course of the year, winning a division and winning a championship here in New York. I don't want contract talks or extensions and all that talk to be a distraction throughout the year. So, if we're able to agree to something here in the spring before we head up to New York, that's wonderful and it would be an honor. If not, we'll talk after the season."

The Yankees and Judge did not have to go to an arbitration this year. He is eligible for free agency in the year 2023.

The 29-year-old Judge had a.289 batting average and 39 home runs last year. He finished fourth in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.

In each of his five MLB seasons, the Yankees have reached the playoffs with him in the starting lineup.