The New York Yankees agreed to a 9-year, $360 million contract with 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge.
The Yankees own relatively short 2023 World Series odds, but trail the Houston Astros in the American League.
Judge Signs With Yankees For 9 Years, $360M
The statistical contributions Judge produced for the Yankees in 2022 are well documented. His projected run production directly increases the Yankees’ odds of overcoming the Astros and making it back to the World Series.
It’s his presence alone, however, that arguably adds just as much impact to the Yankees lineup and World Series chances. The batters ahead of Judge stand to see better pitches to hit. Those who follow behind him will consistently have traffic on the basepaths.
From a strictly baseball standpoint, nine years is a scary commitment. There’s plenty of room to debate how Judge will age into his mid- and late-30s. However, this is a home run – no pun intended – in the short-term.
Yankees 2023 World Series Odds Trail Astros, NL Clubs
The Yankees rarely fall completely out of World Series contention. They’re entrenched among the favorites to win the 2023 World Series, but their competition is stiff.
Yankees World Series futures odds are as short as +850. Signing Judge didn’t significantly shorten their odds, but losing him certainly would’ve lengthened their 2023 World Series price.
What’s next?
The Astros remain solidly ahead of the Yankees, who they discarded with ease once again. The Yankees have a significant gap to close – at least on paper – in order to overtake the reigning World Series champions.
It’s not just the Astros that need to be passed. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves own shorter odds in the National League as well.
Signing Judge was the Yankees’ first domino, but it’s difficult to imagine them closing up shop. Upgrades in the starting rotation and/or at shortstop could still be in the cards.
Right-hander Jameson Taillon bolted for the Chicago Cubs. He was a valuable innings-eater for the Yanks, compiling 32 starts and 177.1 innings in 2022.
Could the Yankees ink ace southpaw Carlos Rodon? That’s certainly an addition that would close the perceived gap between the Yankees and teams with shorter World Series odds.
There’s chatter the Yankees will seek to upgrade at shortstop as well, where Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit .261/.314/.327 with four home runs in 142 games. They have internal options they’re very excited about, and there are big-name free agents available.
Bet 2023 World Series Futures at DraftKings
[cta id=445 type=cta]
New bettors who register at DraftKings Sportsbook and deposit at least $5 receive a $50 free bet. The Yankees’ +900 World Series odds would pay out $500 on that bet if they claim their 28th banner.
The Yankees are not finished upgrading their roster. Whether they sign free agents, promote from within, or pull off a blockbuster trade, bettors can expect their World Series futures prices at MLB betting sites to shrink before the spring.
