New York Yankees: Could Bryce Harper realistically play first base?

The New York Yankees are reportedly considering making a run at Bryce Harper to be their first baseman. Is this a realistic possibility?

For nearly his entire tenure as a professional athlete Bryce Harper has been linked to the New York Yankees. He has a rich appreciation of baseball history, grew up as a Yankees fan, and wears the number 34 for Mickey Mantle. Of course, Mantle wore the number seven, but his number is retired by the Yankees so Harper could not wear it if he winds up in New York. Three plus four equals seven, though, hence the number 34.

Although Harper began his career with the Washington Nationals, everyone thought it was only a matter of time until he made his way to New York.

Then, just one year before Harper’s highly-anticipated free agency, the Yankees traded for Giancarlo Stanton. With Stanton, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner, and Clint Frazier already in the outfield, the Yankees hardly have a need for another outfielder.

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Even if there was room in the outfield, would the Yankees be able to afford Harper? They are already on the hook for baseball’s largest contract, Stanton’s $325 million megadeal, and Harper is projected to receive an even more lucrative deal. Young superstars, such as Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and Gary Sanchez are inexpensive, but the Yankees still have a relatively hefty payroll.

After years of imagining Harper in pinstripes, it appeared that it was not meant to be. That is, unless the Yankees are willing to get creative.

According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Yankees are considering making a run at Harper to play first base, despite the fact that the 26-year-old superstar has never played the position.

While signing Harper to play first base is not exactly a perfect fit, it does make sense. The Yankees are not convinced that Luke Voit‘s late-season surge was not a fluke and have lost all hope in Greg Bird. Without a notable first base prospect in the organization, it appears the Yankees may have to acquire a first baseman. Could that realistically be Harper?

Despite never playing first base, many believe Harper could handle the transition. He practiced at the position during his time with the Nats, and Scott Boras claims he works out at first every offseason. There may be some growing pains, but Harper should be able to learn the position relatively quickly and his bat would make up for the occasional error.

As a left-handed hitter, Yankee Stadium has to be Harper’s dream ballpark to hit in. The short porch in right field is only 314 feet from home plate, which could turn some of Harper’s lazy fly balls into home runs. Harper does not need any help hitting homers as it is, but Yankee Stadium could turn him into even more of a power threat.

Moving to first base could also help the Yankees get the most value out of Harper. He probably will not get the $500 million deal that some projected a year ago, but he will be paid handsomely. Any team that signs the superstar needs him to be as healthy and productive as possible.

By moving to first base, Harper theoretically has a better shot at staying healthy. He will not have to put a toll on his body each day by roaming the outfield, and he will have fewer chances to run into walls. Although he has stopped running into walls in recent years, it remains a risk for any outfielder.

Adding fuel to the fire, Harper reportedly purchased a condo in Long Island recently. Mets players primarily live in Long Island, but it would just be a short drive to the Bronx. This may not mean anything, but it is worth noting.

All things considered, the New York Yankees and Bryce Harper are no longer a match made in heaven. However, a deal cannot be ruled out.