NEW YORK —The first Yankees’ win of the season in the books, Giancarlo Stanton was among the key contributors taking a turn doing a post-game interview in the middle of the clubhouse. His leadoff homer the other way in the fourth momentarily tied up an exciting Opening Day, one in which the Yankees rallied from 3-0, 4-3 and 5-4 deficits before pulling out a 6-5, 11-inning thriller over the Red Sox.
As usual, Stanton spoke his mind with honesty, especially when someone asked about the big off-field story on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, you know, Aaron Judge opting for free agency instead of saying yes to the Yankees’ $213.5 million contract-extension offer.
Stanton came close to using of the best Yogi-isms making his point, which basically was, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over.”
His response was kind-of-similar, “I wouldn’t say it’s disappointing until he’s not here.”
Bottom line, Stanton doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal that Judge will bet on himself this season to get what he thinks is fair compensation as a free agent, which still could mean returning to the Yankees, for 2023 and years beyond because that is what both sides still want.
“There’s plenty of time,” Stanton said. “I think it’s a little overexaggerated that it didn’t get done right now, but we’ll push it to the side. He’s got work to do and we’ve got to focus.”
Stanton knows what it’s like playing with extra pressure from having a big contract. He’s starting season eight in his 13-year, $325-million contract. He also knows Judge will be under pressure this season to put up big numbers to maximum his value.
Judge will be able to focus on being his best, not worrying about what happens at the end of the season, Stanton insists.
“For sure,” Stanton said. “Absolutely. Laser focused. He knows what he has to execute every night and the pressure of the everyday here., so he’ll be fine.”
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Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com.
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