Anthony Rizzo talks Bryce Harper's Yankees future and past ahead of pivotal offseason

Anthony Rizzo spoke with Yanks Go Yard during the MLB Playoffs on behalf of PAYDAY's Low Key Legends initiative, an effort to recognize the often-overlooked contributors who help make the game possible.

You’ve probably heard it a million times already but there are certain players across baseball who seemingly have a swing built for Yankee Stadium. Joey Gallo was thought to be an ideal fit for the New York Yankees, but we all know how it turned out. More recently, Bryce Harper’s name has been floated around as a potential target for the Bronx Bombers in the offseason as the Philllies look to shake up something stale. But as far as former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is concerned, Harper seems to have a permanent home in Philadelphia. 

While appearing on the most recent episode of The Baseball Insiders Podcast with Adam Weinrib, Rizzo chatted about a number of topics related to the Yankees. One topic in particular touched on where Rizzo believed Harper would likely finish out his career. While the former three-time All-Star didn’t make any definitive prediction, he touched on the fact that Harper has planted his roots in the City of Brotherly Love.    

“Bryce [Haper] loves Philly,” Rizzo said. “So when it was time to sign him, the Yankees had their fair shot just like every other team. But Bryce ultimately decided to play in Philadelphia.”

Rizzo then alluded to the fact that Harper didn’t include an opt-out clause in his contract when he signed his 13-year, $330 million deal back in February 2019. At the time, it was the largest free-agent contract in the history of the four major professional sports. To Rizzo, that was something that “showed just how committed” Harper was to the Phillies faithful.  

Does that put an end to the “Harper to the Yankees” rumors once and for all? Not really. But his player profile should be more than enough to convince Yankees fans that he wouldn’t be a good match for the team in the first place.  

Bryce Harper on the Yankees just wouldn’t make a lot of sense in 2027

As Rizzo mentioned, the Yankees didn’t see Harper as a good fit back in 2019. If they were able to add him to the roster, they could have certainly benefited from his strong offensive output. With a .249/.393/.496 slash line for the Washington Nationals in 2018, Harper would have slid into the Bronx as one the Yankees' best players, especially paired with Aaron Judge in the middle of the order. 

Would that have made a difference during the Yankees failed postseason run in 2019? It’s impossible to know with certainty, but his bat couldn’t hurt. Seven years later, we could potentially ask that exact question. Harper has recently struggled in the postseason with the Phillies, but he has had an amazing track record in October over the course of his career. 

However, where would the Yankees play him? Defensively, Harper is a mess wherever he is on the field. He’s never been known for his glove, and it’s not likely for him to develop into a defensive wizard as he progresses into his mid-30s. With a -12 Statcast Fielding Run Value in 2026, Harper has struggled in right field and at first base this season. That makes him a liability to stick out there. 

For now, his strong offensive game can offset his deficiency with the glove. With a career wRC+ of 140, Harper is still capable of hitting at a very high level. While he hasn’t really come close to matching his MVP seasons in 2015 and 2021, Harper is still a valuable player to have on a team. But with five years and more than $125 million left on his contract, it’s unlikely for him to match that remaining value. 

The Yankees have already felt the burn of poor defense and untimely hitting in the 2026 postseason. With Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, Luis Garcia Jr. and more Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees just don’t have any more room at the inn for Harper moving forward.  The Yankees didn't see Harper as a good fit in 2019. It seems doubtful that they'd change their minds now.  

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