MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper, New York Yankees Not A Fit In 2018-2019 Free Agency

The New York Yankees are expected to be as aggressive as anyone in free agency, but they might not be in the race to sign arguably the biggest name available. According to multiple reports, the team likely won’t make a strong play for Bryce Harper in the 2018-2019 MLB offseason.

SNY.tv’s Andy Martino reported Monday that the Yankees determined their offseason plan won’t include pursuing Harper. New York seems to believe that they already have enough options in the outfield and at DH, where Harper would get his playing time if he went to the Bronx.

The Yankees’ chances of acquiring Harper took a major hit a year ago when they traded for Giancarlo Stanton. The slugger spent most of his time at DH with Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner and Aaron Hicks patrolling the outfield. New York also acquired Andrew McCutchen to be their fourth outfielder on Aug. 31.

Stanton and Judge will be Yankees for years to come, though New York could create the room for Harper if that was their preference. The Yankees have a $12.5 million option on Gardner with a $2 million buyout. McCutchen is a free agent. Hicks has a year left of arbitration before becoming a free agent next year.

But the Yankees are likely to focus their efforts elsewhere in free agency. Infielder Manny Machado is a better fit than Harper because of shortstop Didi Gregorius’ recent Tommy John Surgery and Miguel Andujar’s defensive struggles at third base. New York will also look to upgrade their starting pitching before throwing money at an outfielder.

“We’re excited about adding to our rotation, it’s going to be a focal point for us,’’ Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told WFAN’s Mike Francesa, shortly after New York was eliminated from the playoffs. “There’s going to be a lot of competition regardless of the available players out there, but we need to continue to reinforce the rotation.’’

Patrick Corbin is among the free agent pitchers that the Yankees are expected to target.

Harper didn’t have his best season in 2018, hitting .249/.393/.496 with 34 home runs and 100 RBI in 159 games for the Washington Nationals. It’s long been speculated that he could command a contract worth north of $300 million.

The Yankees successfully remained under the luxury tax threshold of $197 million in the 2018 season. They’ll have plenty of money to spend this winter with players like C.C. Sabathia and David Robertson set to come off their books.

New York went 100-62 in the regular season. They fell to the Boston Red Sox in four games in the ALDS.