New York Mets Rumors: Could Bryce Harper be an Option for the Mets?

The New York Mets have not ruled out the possibility of pursuing Bryce Harper in free agency. Could the star pop up in Mets rumors?

Could the New York Mets be in on Bryce Harper? According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, the Amazins’ haven’t ruled out the possibility of acquiring the star outfielder.

Mets fans reading this are probably thinking, “Bryce Harper, really?”

Harper has had a tumultuous relationship with Mets’ fans since debuting in 2012. Harper and the Nationals have turned into a true division rival. Even though he has heard countless boos from the Flushing Faithful, his pure baseball talent is hard to deny. Could this Mets rumor be a real possibility? Would he benefit the club?

While New York seems like a logical destination for Bryce Harper and his persona, it’s hard to imagine that he will be playing for the New York Mets in 2019. The team could use his bat, as they will be without Yoenis Cespedes for most of 2019, but their lineup is already full of left-handed hitters. Harper would join Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, Jay Bruce, and Jeff McNeil to form a very lopsided lineup.

A player like Josh Donaldson would be a better fit for the club. He is older, but he could slide nicely into their hole at third base. Donaldson would also fill the team’s need for a right-handed slugger, helping to balance their lineup.

The Mets also do not have a good fit within their depth chart. Like the Yankees, the Mets have a full outfield and while both teams could use Harper at first base, the Mets have Peter Alonso waiting to become the club’s full-time first baseman.

And as always, money is always a question for the New York Mets. Could they really be in play for a player who will likely command a contract of more than $300 million? History tells us no, even if Brodie Van Wagenen has tried to change the reputation surrounding the club.

The Mets front office has yet to publicly comment on the possibility. Jeff Wilpon and Brodie Van Wagenen both declined to comment on the club’s pursuit, but by not commenting, they aren’t ruling out the possibility of an acquisition.

Even with that said, it’s hard to imagine that the Mets would make a commitment to Bryce Harper. Signing Harper would be a shock to me and to the rest of the baseball world, but the Mets rumor of a deal is still intriguing to consider all the same.