Harper dismisses Yankees questions as free agency looms

Bryce Harper wasn't taking the bait.

Prior to the Washington Nationals' series opener against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, the impending free agent was asked about potentially signing in the Bronx this winter.

"I'm a National now," Harper said, according to Jamal Collier of MLB.com. "We're going into this series trying to win some ballgames. That's the only thing on my mind."

Harper is expected to cash in on a potentially record-setting contract this winter, and the Yankees were previously believed to be a favorite for his services before acquiring Giancarlo Stanton last offseason. New York certainly has the money to make a run at Harper, too, but already has Stanton, Aaron Judge, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Clint Frazier locked up long term, while Aaron Hicks is also signed through next season.

There hasn't been much talk from Harper regarding his free agency, and he stated in spring training that he'd walk out the door should any reporters ask him questions about his future.

The 25-year-old outfielder has spent his entire seven-year career in Washington, and Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in December he believes his team has a good chance to re-sign the former NL MVP long term.