The New York Yankees are expected to be the biggest and most active player on the free agency market this winter, and while all signs have pointed to them making Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado their top target, they may be the favorite to land Washington Nationals outfield Bryce Harper.
Despite the plethora of outfielders the Yankees have at both the major league level and in the minors, New York will be one of many teams interested in Harper once he becomes a free agent next season. In fact, they could be the favorites to land him, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
"The New York Yankees was his team growing up, " Bowden said. "And people laugh and say, 'he's not going to go to the Yankees.' You know, it is definitely possible he goes to the Yankees. He could replace Brett Gardner in left field. Don't worry about, 'oh how can you do that with (Giancarlo) Stanton and (Aaron) Judge.' Put him right in the lineup right in the middle of Stanton and Judge. Give them that other left-handed hitter. Of course that would be a good fit for him.
"The one thing about Bryce Harper. His agent, Scott Boras, has a long history of taking the most money and the most years. I'm not sure out of this group of teams, where it comes from. I just don't think it's going to be Washington."
Harper is expected to get a contract in the 10-year, $400 million range. It has even been rumored for him to be the first player to hit $500 million.
He is batting .236 with 15 home runs and 34 RBIs in 48 games so far this season.
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