MLB rumors: Bryce Harper to Yankees? ‘It’s not happening’

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is the crown jewel of the free agency class. New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is expected to talk to his agent, Scott Boras, who has indicated the 2015 National League MVP could play first base in 2019.

Sorry, Yankees fans.

Sounds like Bryce Harper won’t be heading to the Bronx, per ESPN’s Buster Olney:

As there continues to be speculation about Bryce Harper and the Yankees, a well-placed source emphatically says: “It’s not happening. He’s not going to be a Yankee.”

It’s been an interesting 24 hours for the Harper rumor mill.

On Tuesday, there were whispers that Harper might be open to playing first base for the Yankees.

Per NJ Advance Media’s Brendan Kuty:

On MLB Network Radio on Tuesday, (Scott) Boras threw a potential position change out there for his 26-year-old star outfielder.

“Bryce has the feet, hands and skill to certainly adapt to first base,” the agent said.

…

What does Yankees general manager Brian Cashman think about Boras’ comment and about the possibility of Harper as a first baseman?

Cashman didn’t want to get into it.

“Do I think Bryce Harper could play first base? I don’t know,” he said at the 2018 MLB GM Meetings at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa on Tuesday. “I don’t know. Obviously he’s extremely talented and athletic.

“As I said, we’ll assess everything in the marketplace and how it might fit us. I have not not talked to Scott yet but I will try to talk to everybody while I’m here.”

21 things learned at GM meetings

On Wednesday, the Washington Post reported Harper turned down a 10-year, $300 million contract from the Nationals before the end of the 2018 regular season.

In doing so, he seemingly established the baseline for teams interested in signing the 2015 National League MVP.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal broke down the impact of the Nationals’ contract offer:

Some thoughts on #Nationals‘ 10-year, $300M to Harper, as reported by @chelsea_janes: Did Nats consider it a mere starting point or a final gesture that would enable them to say, “We tried?” Deal did not include opt outs. Not known if it had deferrals to lower present-day value.

#Nationals surely knew Harper and Scott Boras would never accept $300M without opt-outs as first offer. Nats could still be fallback if Harper does not get what he wants – if they are willing to wait. Bar now set for other interested teams. Harper goal: Beat Stanton’s $325M.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.