1. Giants: A Giants person called “crazy” and “ridiculous” reports saying they’d pay Judge whatever it took. That report may be hyperbole, but the Giants are likely enthusiastic bidders. While it’s his boyhood team, they’re handicapped by a tough park (22nd for homers compared to 4th for Yankee Stadium).
2. Dodgers: Mookie Betts told the Dodgers he’s open to moving to second base, as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported. However, the Dodgers are more likely to target a big-time shortstop. They also prefer shorter deals (at high annual pay), unlikely to carry the day.
3. Mets: One Yankees player suggested he feared “the hedge fund guy” might make a play for Judge. While this would be an all-time market crashing move, Steve Cohen has seven free agents of his own he’s hyper focused on. They’d need to hear first from Judge that he wants to move crosstown, too. Long shot.
4. Red Sox: They will concentrate on homegrown stars Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts, and started with Devers.
5. Cubs: While they promise to spend, it’s hard to see them spending this big.
6. Rangers: A big-time player now, but pitching is the focus.
7. Field: Any team (except maybe Miami) can technically afford him, so you never know.
