Yankees Rumors: Bryce Harper Not In New York's Plans, Manny Machado Remains A Possibility

New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has made it very clear where the organization stands on MLB’s two biggest free agents. The team is considering making an offer to Manny Machado, but they aren’t in the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes.

Cashman told reporters Monday at the 2018 Winter Meetings in Las Vegas that the Yankees won’t be spending a lot of money on an outfielder.

“We don't have an [infinite] amount of dollars to be playing within any marketplace,” Cashman said, via MLB.com. “We're looking for a starter now; it was two, now it's down to one. We're looking for, how do we address the loss of Didi Gregorius? And we're looking for our bullpen. At no time all winter have I said that I'm looking for an outfielder. The Harper stuff, I'm surprised you're still asking.”

Harper, 26, is reportedly looking to break the record-setting contract that Giancarlo Stanton signed four years ago. The Yankees traded for Stanton and the bulk of his 10-year, $325 million deal last offseason.

Stanton played most of his first season in the Bronx as a DH. Even with Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner under contract it’s hard to believe the Yankees couldn’t find room for Harper if they wanted to. Gardner might be more of a part-time player in 2019, and Hicks is entering the final year of his deal.

Machado, 26, won’t come cheap, and New York reportedly won’t give him the $300 million he’s seeking. But the infielder does fill a need for the Yankees, who are looking for someone to play shortstop as Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John Surgery.

Third baseman Miguel Andujar was a poor defensive player last year, and the Yankees could shift Machado to the hot corner when Gregorius gets back on the field. There are also rumors that New York is exploring trade possibilities that involve Andujar going elsewhere in exchange for a starting pitcher.

“I have talked to Machado’s representative Danny Lozano,’’ said Cashman, via The New York Post, noting the talks happened before the Winter Meetings. “I have had several conversations with Danny Lozano about Manny Machado. We are definitely focused in the marketplace in areas of need and he obviously is available and solves that area of need. So, not going to deny we have had a conversation or two.’’

The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox might be the Yankees’ biggest competition for Machado. Both teams are interested in Harper, as well.