Judge, Yankees fail to agree to long-term contract
NEW YORK » Far apart from the New York Yankees on a longterm deal, Aaron Judge carried through his promise to cut off talks when the first pitch of the season was thrown.
“I’m just disappointed because I think I’ve been vocal about I want to be a Yankee for life” he said. “I want to bring a championship back to New York. I want to do it for the fans here. They’re family.
“This is home for me, and not getting that done right now, it stinks.”
Starting perhaps his final season with the Yankees, Judge was 2 for 5 with a double as New York railled for a season-opening 6-5, 11-inning win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday.
“At the end of the year, I’m a free agent. I can talk to 30 teams and the Yankees will be one of those 30 teams,” Judge said. “So, it’s always nice to try to wrap something up sooner, the better. But like I said, we weren’t able to get it done and now it’s on the baseball.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the team offered an eight-year contract worth $230.5 million to $234.5 million, the difference to have been determined in arbitration for this year’s salary.
Judge’s representatives wanted a nine-year deal in excess of the average annual value of Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s contract, which comes to $319.6 million, a person familiar with the negotiations said.
M’s ink Crawford to 5-year deal.
MINNEAPOLIS » The Seattle Mariners signed Gold Glove shortstop J.P. Crawford to a $51 million, fiveyear contract ahead of the start of the regular season.
Crawford, 27, had agreed last month to a $4.85 million, one-year deal and would have been eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. He gets a $5 million signing bonus and $5 million salary this year, $10 million in each of the following three seasons and $11 million in 2026. He also gets a full notrade provision.
“I love Seattle. I’ve loved it ever since I put on that jersey for the first time,” Crawford said before the season opener against the Twins. “I’ve really wanted to stay here ever since then. So I’m really happy for this opportunity.”
Davis named Fox’s lead baseball voice. Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis was named Fox Sports’ lead baseball play-byplay announcer. He takes over for Joe Buck, who left Fox for ESPN’S “Monday Night Football.” Buck was Fox’s lead baseball announcer since the network started televising games in 1996.
White Sox RHP Giolito leaves start. DETROIT » Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito left his season-opening start after four innings because of abdominal tightness on his left side.