Bryce Harper, Yankees Union Unlikely, Manager Says, Machado Pining For New York

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge welcomed the potential arrival of Bryce Harper when he was asked about the most sought-after free baseball free agent during his appearance at Sunday’s Super Bowl in Atlanta.

The 2017 Rookie of the Year indicated that he was willing to change positions to accommodate a player of Harper’s caliber in the team as he is certain that a former MVP will certainly make the team better.

“Any time you can add an MVP to a team, it’s going to make it better,” Judge told TMZ. “So, it just all depends on where he wants to go. [Manny] Machado, Bryce Harper, any of them.”

“[Harper has] got more speed than me, man,” the Yankees outfielder added. “Wherever he wants to play, we’ll make it work.”

However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke more realistically after hearing his outfielder’s comments and revealed that the possibility of the two outfielders competing for the same spot is unrealistic. He believes Judge was only having some fun since he was at the Super Bowl.

"That was just Judgey having some fun at the Super Bowl," Boone said, as quoted on ESPN. "Judgey would do a lot of things for the team. But I don't know. I think that he was just probably pressed in the corner at the Super Bowl and he gave a good answer. But I don't think we're going to have to worry about that."

Boone also indicated that it remains unlikely that the Yankees would sign one of Harper or Manny Machado, who has been on their radar before spring training begins. He also reiterated his confidence in the squad and believes they already have what it takes to probably challenge for a championship this coming season.

“I feel like in a lot of ways, we’re a complete team right now,’’ Boone said Tuesday before the 39th annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, as quoted on the New York Daily News. “You look at the moves we’ve made this winter, it’s hard to deny that we haven’t significantly improved our club. We feel like we have a team capable of hopefully going out and competing for a championship.’’

“That’s more a question for (GM) Brian (Cashman),’’ the Yankees manager added. “You never say never with anything. But I would also say we feel we have a great team right now.’’

The Yankees were never linked with a move for Harper but were said to be keen to sign Machado, who is the other sought after free agent this winter. The shortstop met with the Yankees in December and is said to have discussed financial concepts.

While the New York franchise is likely Machado’s preferred choice for his next destination, they are said to be unwilling to match his demands which are said to be a long-term deal valued at over $300 million and Fancred’s Jon Heyman believes it is unlikely to happen.