The World Series is over, and unfortunately, the Red Sox won. Now it’s officially rumor season. Four-time All-Star and former NL MVP, Bryce Harper, is reportedly not a part of the Yankees offseason free agency plans.
Bryce Harper, the 26-year-old four-time All-Star and 2015 MVP is reportedly not a part of the Yankees offseason free agency plans. Because of this, the Yanks will likely use their money to fill positions of need.
Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports:
"As the Yankees wrapped their pro scouting meetings last week and determined a preliminary offseason strategy, a pursuit of free agent outfielder Bryce Harper was not part of the plan, according to major league sources. But the Yankees’ early feeling is that Harper simply doesn’t fit. While they could use the lefthanded bat in a righty-heavy lineup, they feel that their outfield and DH spots are spoken for."
It seems the organization also isn’t impressed with four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner Manny Machado’s postseason acts. His lack of hustling to first base along with “dirty play” seems to be cooling off the Yanks pursuit — and boy am I glad to hear about that.
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However, it still remains to be seen if Miguel Andujar moves to left field or first base because of his defensive issues at third.
The Yanks could most, if not all use all the money they now have after resetting the luxury tax threshold on starting pitchers — that they desperately need. I am thrilled if the rumors appear correct, mainly because Harper was reportedly seeking at least 10 years, 350 million deal. At one point during the postseason, the Bombers were also front-runners to spend at least $300 million for Machado’s services.
In the 2018 regular season, Harper slashed .249/.393/.496 while hitting 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. Machado slashed .297/.366/.487 with 37 home runs and 107 RBIs.
With the offseason now upon us, we should expect the Bombers to make some big splashes regarding their starting rotation. At the moment, that’s all fans are pleading for, and I don’t blame them one bit.