Bryce Harper Rumors: Free Agent Interested In Yankees, New York Unlikely To Give Star Record Contract

The New York Yankees are considered to be an unlikely destination for Bryce Harper this offseason, but not because the outfielder doesn’t want to play for the Bronx Bombers. In fact, the former Washington Nationals’ star is reportedly interested in wearing pinstripes next season.

According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, Harper would consider playing first base for the Yankees since the team already has an influx of outfielders. New York, however, is considered to be much more likely to sign Manny Machado to a big contract.

Harper, 26, will probably command a record-setting contract, possibly in the range of $350 million. He reportedly rejected a 10-year, $300 million offer from the Nationals on the final day of the regular season.

When the Yankees traded for Giancarlo Stanton last December, it seriously lowered their chances of acquiring Harper this offseason. The team re-signed Brett Gardner, and they already have Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks, who are everyday outfielders. Stanton will likely split his time between the outfield and DH in 2019.

New York is focused on improving their rotation this offseason. They’ve already traded for James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners. The team has also been linked to Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ in free agency.

That doesn’t mean the Yankees won’t spend big money on a hitter. They might sign Machado, and according to Heyman, some rival general managers believe New York’s interest in Harper is greater than what the team is letting on.

There has been speculation that Harper could play first base for the Yankees. Luke Voit hit .333/.405/. 689 in 39 games with New York last season, though there’s doubt that the 27-year-old can be a consistent performer over the course of 162 games. Greg Bird hit .199 in 82 games last year and is probably not an everyday option.

The Philadelphia Phillies are considered to be the frontrunners to sign Harper. The 2015 NL MVP bounced back from a slow first half to finish the 2018 season with a .249/.393/.496 slash line with 34 home runs and 100 RBI.