Cashman: Yankees won't bid for Harper
Don't expect to see Bryce Harper donning pinstripes in the Bronx next year.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday at the winter meetings in Las Vegas that he has no intention of bidding for the star free agent outfielder.
"We don't have an (unlimited) amount of dollars to be playing with, in any marketplace," Cashman told reporters. "So I think if you want to ask about something that fits more."
Cashman cited the fact that Yankees have six outfielders as his rationale behind not chasing Harper, a six-time All-Star. He also said he wouldn't view Harper as an option to play first base.
The Yankees' main outfielders on the current roster are left fielder Brett Gardner, center fielder Aaron Hicks, and right fielder Aaron Judge. Giancarlo Stanton served as a designated hitter in 86 games last season but also played 37 games in right and 36 in left.
New York also has veteran outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury returning from hip surgery that cost him all of last season, plus reserve outfielder Clint Frazier.
"At no time have I said I'm looking for an outfielder," Cashman said.
Luke Voit and Greg Bird are the Yankees' first basemen.
Harper, 26, was the National League's Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the NL's Most Valuable Player in 2015. Last season, he hit .249 with a .393 on-base percentage, a .496 slugging percentage, 34 homers, 100 RBIs and an NL-leading 130 walks.
Over his career, spent entirely with the Washington Nationals, Harper has a .279/.388/.512 batting line with 184 home runs and 521 RBIs in 927 games.
--Field Level Media
