SI.com · Jul 6, 2022
Hal Steinbrenner: Aaron Judge Contract Situation Can’t Be Distraction
Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner addressed the media for the first time since spring training Wednesday, and his words evoked his late father.
Speaking in Pittsburgh, where the Yankees are playing a two-game series against the Pirates, Steinbrenner broached the topic of a new contract for slugging outfielder Aaron Judge. But Steinbrenner made it clear that he expects the entire organization’s focus to be on winning the World Series for the first time since 2009.
“In no way, shape or form can [Judge’s contract situation] be a distraction,” Steinbrenner said, per The Athletic. “The sole focus is winning a championship. That’s all anyone needs to worry about right now.”