Realistically, that's nothing but wishful thinking at this point.
A big splash/big cash free agent is the opposite of what their front office people like to do. Last season has proven to be an anomaly, and a mix of successful veterans at the end of their careers, thrift store/reclamation project signings, and promising, but unproven prospects was reflected in the record this season.
And on Judge's part, is a California homecoming (to a team with those questions) enough to overcome the spotlight in NY, especially if they go deep into the playoffs? He'll be paid no matter where he is.
Bonds left Pittsburgh, not NY, to return, and be the centerpiece of a franchise that was going to build a new park and new era under new ownership.
And while that era saw some success, and even a WS appearance, the run of championships in the early 2010s came as a result of their farm talent, supplemented by choice free agents, not lead by a big one like Bonds, or a Judge.
The current front office chief was hired to replicate what he did with the Dodgers, and their farm system, which needs time. Do they stick with that plan, or think shorter term with a big signing to keep people interested?
