The New York Yankees are not in on free agent Bryce Harper. That’s what general manager Brian Cashman has led us to believe, anyway.
But addressing the matter on Wednesday, Cashman seemed to leave a door open.
In addressing Bryce Harper, Brian Cashman called the Yankees a “fully operational Death Star.” Translation: Yankees always ready to pivot.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 13, 2018
There are two big issues with Harper.
One is money. The Yankees would like to stay below the luxury tax threshold. That will get awfully hard to do if they’re adding what promises to be a monster contract from Harper.
The other is placement. Harper signing in New York would likely mean that he’d play centerfield, which is not where he’s at his best. Another option would be to have Harper playing first base or Giancarlo Stanton playing DH. The Yankees have seemed to shy away from those ideas this offseason.
But given how good Harper is and how much money New York has to spend, don’t be surprised if the Yankees end up pursuing Harper.