If Cashman could 'wave magic wand,' Judge deal would be done

NEW YORK -- The Yankees’ idea of an optimal offseason would have already included a new contract for Aaron Judge, freeing them to tackle the rest of their pressing needs. That quick resolution to the slugger’s free agency is unlikely, which could place the club in a holding pattern while they cross their fingers.

Speaking on Tuesday at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, GM Brian Cashman offered no comment when asked if Judge and the Yankees have spoken since the end of the American League Championship Series, but Cashman indicated that retaining Judge is the organization’s top priority.

“If you could wave a magic wand, we would secure Aaron Judge and retain him and have him signed and happy in the fold as soon as possible,” Cashman said. “He’s a free agent. He’s earned the right to be a free agent, so he’ll dictate the dance steps.”

After turning down a seven-year, $213.5 million extension earlier this season, Judge is expected to seek a deal worth at least $300 million.

Cashman said he has no plans to meet in person with Judge’s agent, Page Odle, during the GM Meetings. Cashman also said that managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has not yet provided the club with its 2023 budget, adding, “Like any past year, he’s going to be committing a lot.”

The Yankees recently completed their pro scouting meetings to evaluate free agent and trade market possibilities. Asked to outline his club’s needs as the Yankees approach the offseason, Cashman said, “Currently, we don’t have a right fielder, we don’t have a left fielder, and we’d always like to improve the pitching.”

With Judge and Andrew Benintendi both free agents (Cashman lauded Benintendi’s "slow heartbeat" and said the club would “have a conversation” about his return), Harrison Bader, Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton remain under contract. Hicks’ future in the Bronx is uncertain, despite three years remaining under contract, and Stanton is viewed as more of a designated hitter.

Cashman said the Yankees would like to retain first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who opted out of the $16 million remaining on his deal and is a free agent. The Yankees are considering making qualifying offers to Judge, Rizzo and right-hander Jameson Taillon, and Rizzo could field multi-year commitments in the marketplace.

“We’d love to sign Anthony Rizzo back if possible,” Cashman said. “We’ll stay in touch with him as well as the rest of the marketplace. We clearly have a vacancy now at first base. The preference would be to retain the player we know and like. Ultimately, you have to explore all options -- trade vs. free agency.”

After Oswald Peraza impressed as a September callup, prompting Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s benching during the AL Division Series, Cashman said that he views “a lot of exciting opportunities that could play out next spring in the middle infield category.” Peraza or Oswaldo Cabrera could have a chance to win the starting job, with top prospect Anthony Volpe also expected to be in big league camp.

“This time of year, I think you just have to stay flexible and open-minded to make sure that you evaluate all real opportunities,” Cashman said.

That includes the coaching market; assistant hitting coach Hensley Meulens has left manager Aaron Boone’s staff, accepting the Rockies’ top hitting coach position. Cashman has said that the Yankees hope to retain pitching coach Matt Blake, whose contract expired after the season.

Cashman said that his own unsettled contract situation will not impact the Yankees’ offseason. Though Cashman’s deal expired on Oct. 31, Steinbrenner has asked him to remain on in the role he has filled since February 1998.

“It’s something that we’ll sit down and get to, but there [are] some bigger things that need to be taken care of first,” Cashman said.