The New York Yankees made a splash Monday by trading for pitcher James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners, but they've also talked about acquiring the biggest free agent on the market.
New York's front office had internal discussions about signing Bryce Harper to play first base, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi.
However, one source described the situation to Morosi as "unrealistic."
The Yankees currently have a full outfield, including last year's starting unit of Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton, and Brett Gardner, as well as Jacoby Ellsbury and Clint Frazier.
First base isn't as clear, however. Luke Voit appears to be their primary option heading into next season, and while he hit 14 home runs and posted a 1.095 OPS after arriving in a trade, he has only 109 games under his belt in the bigs. Greg Bird is another option, but he's struggled to produce (.199/.286/.386 in 2018) and has battled injuries.
Harper has appeared in just one game at first during his seven years in the majors.
In the outfield, Harper was a below-average defender for the Washington Nationals last season, posting a -18.1 defensive rating, according to Fangraphs.
The price tag for the 26-year-old will be big, too - he reportedly rejected a 10-year, $300-million contract from the Nationals at the end of the season. But Yankees general manager Brian Cashman hasn't shied away from making big moves in the past.
Harper just completed his sixth All-Star caliber campaign, hitting .249/.393/.496 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Since debuting in the majors, the 2015 National League MVP has 184 home runs, 521 RBIs, and a .900 OPS in 927 games.
