Yankees Rumors: Bryce Harper is seeking at least 10 years, $350 million deal

Nationals slugger, Bryce Harper, is reportedly seeking at least a 10-year, $350 million deal. But does his want fit the Yankees need?

The YES Network is reporting that the 26-year-old six-time All-Star and 2015 MVP, Bryce Harper, is seeking at least 10 years and $350 million in his next contract. Excuse me while my stomach aches, but the Yankees better not give in to this.

In 2018, Harper slashed .249/.393/.496 while hitting 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. Although considered a down-year for Harper, a $35 million AAV is an excessive amount of money.

First, Harper is known to have quite the ego. Much like fellow free-agent-to-be, Manny Machado, his attitude has long been in question, and the Yanks don’t need that influence in the clubhouse, especially with impressionable young players making up a majority of the roster.

Second, I’d instead put the money Harper will command towards starting pitching.

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Steering clear of Machado would also be a wise decision, who in the 2018 regular season hit .297/.366/.487 with 37 home runs and 107 RBIs. Even then with how great he’s performed for the Dodgers this postseason, the way he handles himself on the field raises a giant red flag.

His cringe-worthy response towards a lack of hustle in Game 3 of the NLDS was one thing. But then he went and kicked Jesus Aguilar in the back of his leg in the 10th inning of Game 4 of the series, causing the benches to clear. It was a dangerous play from a player that should know better after seven big league seasons.

As co-expert of YanksGoYard.com, Mac Josephson recently stated, while Didi Gregorius is recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees can move Gleyber Torres to shortstop and either re-sign Neil Walker or try former prospect Tyler Wade at second base in the meantime.

In regards to pitching, there are a few notable free agents set to hit the market this winter, none other than Clayton Kershaw (whose expected to opt-out of his current contract), and left-handers Dallas Keuchel and Patrick Corbin.

Corbin would be a great fit after he posted a 3.15 ERA in 2018 with the Diamondbacks while striking out 246 opponents. As for Keuchel, he posted a 3.74 ERA this season, striking out 153.

The Bombers should also consider re-signing left-hander J. A. Happ (7-0, 2.69 ERA and 63 Ks) after an incredible run of form once acquired from the Blue Jays for Brandon Drury and outfield prospect Billy McKinney.

I for one hope general manager Brian Cashman comes to his senses as all the hard work the Yankees did resetting the $197 million luxury tax threshold would seem to go down the drain if the club were to overspend on one player they don’t really need.

The organization’s weakness is pitching. You need ace pitchers on the mound to advance further in the postseason — and as the Bombers recently proved, you can’t always rely on your potent offense to get the job done.