Most Notable New York Yankees Becoming Free Agents In 2022/2023 MLB Offseason

The evil empire falls yet again. Last night, the Yankees dropped their fourth game in a row to the Houston Astros, completing the Astros’ sweep of the ALCS in spectacular fashion. The Astros will now move on to the World Series where they will face off against the Philadelphia Phillies, who are +160 underdogs to win it all (according to DraftKings Sportsbook). In what should come as a surprise to no one, DraftKings has the Astros listed as the favorite at -185. 

But that’s enough World Series talk. We’re here now to look at the Yankees' future, and what lies ahead for the Bronx Bombers. More specifically, though, we’ll be looking at what could be different about next years Yankees–there are a ton of players with expiring contracts, and some big names that could leave big, 62-homerun-sized holes, in their lineup. 

So, let's take a look at the most notable Yankees becoming free agents this offseason.

1. Aaron Judge, RF

Age: 30 

2022 Salary: $19 million

This has been the center point of the Yankees’ season all year long–will Judge resign and stay in the Bronx? If I’m being honest, I think he’s gone. Judge had already declined the Yankees' first offer, which was 7 years/$213.5 million, and has since hit 62 home runs–so it’s fair to assume that the new offer will be a lot higher. The San Francisco Giants have been foaming from the mouth when anything Judge-related even gets brought up, and seeing as how Judge is a childhood Giants fan and a San Francisco homer it’s not out of the realm of possibility. There’s no doubting the fact that the Yankees NEED Aaron Judge, so you can expect a fat offer to come his way from the desk of Hal Steinbrenner himself. But, at the end of the day, it’s all up to Judge (who was booed in both games 2 and 3 of the ALDS at HOME. Yikes).

2. Andrew Benintendi, LF

Age: 28

2022 Salary: $8.5 million

Benintendi’s stint with the Yankees was cut short due to injury–but in his 33 games with the team, he hit just .254 (after hitting .304 with the Royals all first half of the season). When healthy, he’s an incredible player that belongs on the top of any major league lineup. Benintendi can offer the Yankees something they’ve been struggling to find since DJ LeMahieu forgot how to hit–and that’s average. For this reason, I’d love to see Benintendi back next year, regardless of if they resign Judge or not. The outfield of Benintendi, Bader, and Judge sounds great–so let’s make it happen.

3. Luis Severino, SP

Age: 28

2022 Salary: $11 million

The Yankees have until five days after the World Series ends in order to pick up Severino’s club option. If they don’t, he’ll officially be a free agent. The club option is worth $15 million and has a $2.75 million buyout–and I think they’d be foolish not to pick it up. Letting Severino walk in the same year you trade away Jordan Montgomery would be such a slap in the face to the fan base, who have been calling for solid pitching for seemingly decades. Also, seeing as how Jameson Taillon is a free agent this offseason as well, the Yankees may need Severino even more in 2023.

4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B

Age: 33

2022 Salary: $16 million

Rizzo can opt out of his contract this offseason if he’d like to, but why would he? He won’t get anywhere close to $16 million dollars from any other team, and he’s loved by the Yankees fanbase. Does the idea of a 33/34 year old starting first baseman scare me? Sure. But, you have to make do with what you have. 

Other Notable Free Agents:

Aroldis Chapman, LHP

Miguel Castro, RHP

Zach Britton, LHP

Chad Green, RHP

Marwin Gonzalez, UTL

Matt Carpenter, UTL