Bryce Harper still hasn’t signed a contract to play in 2019, which is a surprise to almost everyone. And until he signs, the New York Yankees are a potential target. But where would he play on an already-loaded roster.
The New York Yankees haven’t been frequently linked to Bryce Harper this offseason. All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge hopes that will change.
New York’s star player told TMZ on Tuesday that he’d be willing to switch positions to allow Harper’s addition to the squad. The former face of the Nationals franchise didn’t note any replies, though he surely acknowledged it.
Whether the Yankees will actually sign the former MVP is a different story. Baseball journalist Jon Herman said that eight teams are technically still in talks with Harper and his agent.
Surely, his addition in the Bronx would propel New York to the status of World Series favorites. But manager Aaron Boone would need to maneuver his outfield around to make it work.
Judge considered that he could move to possibly center field or even left field. Yet, the former Fresno State prospect has played just one game in center. He’s hasn’t played left field while in pinstripes either.
Harper, on the other hand, has 182 games under his belt in center field. If Harper obliges, he could retain that position and allow the Yankees to boast an intimidating outfield with Judge and Giancarlo Stanton by his side.
Of course, workhorse Brett Gardner, who is entering his 12th MLB season, would lose playing time. Current center fielder Aaron Hicks would also see less time in New York.
However, Hicks is versatile and can be moved to left field. He can also cover for Stanton when Boone has the Yankees slugger in the designated hitter spot.
More from New York Yankees
- Time for the Yankees to embrace change: A call for Brian Cashman’s departure
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Braves, Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox
- New York Yankees: The harsh decline of Luis Severino
- New York Yankees: 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- New York Yankees: Everson Pereira awaiting call-up in Triple-A
Considering Boone’s limited options at first base, a more outlandish idea could be to try one of the outfielders at the corner infield position. Journalists suggested Harper could move to first if he were to play in the Bronx.
Yet, it would seem that Judge would fit the position more based on his 6-foot-7, 282-pound frame. Luke Voit could then hit in the designated hitter spot when Stanton is in left field. Judge can also act as the designated hitter, though Boone would arguably be more comfortable with him in the field than Stanton.
Essentially, New York has enough depth to carry an outfield carousel if the front office signed Harper. But the Yankees would also have to place six outfielders on the roster or move someone to the infield.
Neither of those seem plausible, at least for the time being.
If Harper signs elsewhere, Boone will be able to continue his current plan, allowing Stanton to take days off in the field while Clint Frazier and Gardner duke it out for playing time in left field.
However, the obstacles caused by Harper’s addition can be easily handled. And it would put the Yankees in a legitimate spot to contend for a World Series title.