Looming over Aaron Judge's chase for Roger Maris' home run record is his impending free agency. The New York Yankees are at risk of losing their best player to the highest bidder, which could be the crosstown Mets.

The New York Mets have become contenders to sign just about every major free agent. With Judge potentially commanding a historic contract and new Mets owner Steven Cohen having the biggest checkbook in the sport, there's speculation that the Mets could lure Judge away from the Yankees next season.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith predicted on "First Take" that Cohen would overwhelm the 30-year-old slugger with an offer in free agency. It's a view that's been shared by many on social media as the Yankees outfielder puts together one of the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal discussed the possibility of Judge signing with the Mets during the network's recent broadcast of a Mets game. Rosenthal said that it's unlikely Judge will join the Mets, though he added that Cohen could make a bid for Judge to drive up the cost for the Yankees.

On Opening Day, the Yankees announced that Judge turned down a seven-year contract worth $213.5 million. Judge, who is represented by Page Odle of PSI Sports Management, reportedly wasn't pleased the team released the details of the offer, according to Rosenthal.

The Yankees' offer was viewed to be a fair one by many insiders at the start of the season. Five months later, that same contract won't come close to the deal that Judge eventually signs.

With 60 home runs and 15 games left on the schedule, Judge seems certain to set a new AL record for the most homers in a season for any player who hasn't been suspected of taking performance-enhancing drugs. Judge is leading all three triple crown categories, hitting .316 and 128 RBI, while the clear favorite to finish with the most home runs.

Judge could receive a contract worth close to $400 million. If the Yankees don't make such an offer, there's a good chance that another team will approach that figure.

If anyone is likely to break the bank for Judge, it might be Cohen and the Mets. The Mets landed pitcher Max Scherzer in free agency last offseason with a record three-year, $130 million contract. Scherzer's average annual salary of $43.33 million is the highest yearly salary in MLB history.

Scherzer's addition has been a boon for the Mets, who recently clinched their first postseason berth in six years. Scherzer and Jacob deGrom give the Mets arguably the best one-two punch in baseball. If Buck Showalter's side falls short of a title in 2022 the addition of a power-hitting bat like Judge could become a top offseason priority.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the league's highest payroll and could potentially make a run at Judge. It's been speculated that the San Francisco Giants might also make a competitive offer for Judge, who grew up in Northern California.

Aaron Judge New York Yankees
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees lines out to right field against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 08, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Mike Stobe/Getty Images