1. GiantsHis hometown team tried for Bryce Harper and Giancarlo Stanton, so why wouldn’t they want Judge? The question is: Would he want to go? While the Giants are showing they know how to build a winner, that ballpark isn’t very conducive to the long ball (unless you were Barry Bonds, and had help).
2. Red SoxWhile the Red Sox have multiple star free agents (Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez, Nate Eovaldi) and thus flexibility, they have refrained from going to the limit on player deals in recent years. Would be a nice way to tweak the rival though, obviously.
3. DodgersThey have the other best right fielder in the game in Mookie Betts, and while they’ve made bold moves in recent years, it would seem the emphasis would be more on shortstop and the pitching staff.
4. CubsThere’s been speculation here, but why would Judge sign up for what looks like a couple more years of suffering?
5. RangersTexas showed it will spend with the purchases of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, and are expected to continue to do so. But they, too, need pitching more.
6. MetsSteve Cohen and Co. can obviously afford Judge but the belief here is they may not be anxious to do anything to roil the crosstown rival. It’s an era of good feeling. And besides, there are plenty of other ways to spend the money.
7. FieldYou never know who may come up with the bucks. Did anyone see the Rangers, Tigers and Twins being three of the biggest spenders last winter?
It is all very unpredictable. What should never happen, though, is someone who’s one of the best in the game ending up miserable and pining for the good old days.
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nypost.com]
