All this talk about eventually having to pay Aaron Judge. Let's get into that a bit here.
I understand that he doesn't become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) until 2023. His last two years he's averaged just 106 games played with 27 HR (respectable).
There's a lot if griping about Stanton not staying healthy and how he needs to hit the road because of it, but Judge hasn't exactly been the shinning example of good health the previous two seasons.
He has become the face of the franchise, but I question if he will even deserve a big pay day when (if) he becomes an UFA. Judge would be 31 entering free agency, further diminishing his prospective value and hopes for a longer-term deal.
Nothing is guaranteed. You can draft a Sure Thing that's a bust, sign a Stud that blows out his arm, or put aside a bunch of money for your current (injury plagued) star to spend on him when he enters free agency years down the road, only to see said player further decline each year and no longer be worthy of a long term investment.
Nothing is guaranteed.