Brian Cashman says Bryce Harper isn't a fit for the Yankees
After Washington Nationals owner Mark Lerner said he didn't expect Harper to return to the ball club next season, it became apparent Harper would have a new home in 2019. But don't expect Harper's new home to be with the New York Yankees. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told MLB.com reporter Bryan Hoch that Harper wasn't a fit for the Yankees due to overcrowding in the outfield. Cashman added Harper playing first base for the ball club was an unrealistic scenario.
Brian Cashman indicated that Bryce Harper isn’t a fit for the #Yankees. Said the team already has six outfielders and that playing Harper at first base isn’t realistic.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 10, 2018
With Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Giancarlo Stanton as outfield options, Cashman never had Harper in his sights. But while the Yankees are seemingly out on Harper, they have shown interest in free agent third baseman Manny Machado. Hoch reported the Yankees spoke with Machado's agent Dan Lozano more than once this winter.
Cashman said that he has talked more than once with Manny Machado’s agent, Dan Lozano.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 10, 2018
In an effort to gauge interest, Scott Boras said Harper had been taking grounders at first base to boost his versatility. While first base is a position the Yankees lack depth in--along with having questionable production from Luke Voit and Greg Bird going into next season--the organization felt Harper wasn't the solution. Harper is expected to command a big payday this offseason from one of his potential suitors. But unfortunately the pipe dream of Harper donning pinstripes and playing alongside Judge in an effort to help the Yankees win a World Series will be just that: a dream.