MLB rumors: Mets competing with Yankees for Bryce Harper?

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is the best bat available in free agency. New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is expected to make a bid for the 2015 National League MVP. But New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen could be thinking the same thing.

If Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wants to sign free-agent slugger Bryce Harper, he could face competition from the Mets, and their new GM, Brodie Van Wagenen.

Per Fancred’s Jon Heyman:

The Phillies have been seen as a favorite for the mega star, and perhaps the favorite. However, the field isn’t small, and there are signs there could be at least some interest in Harper on the part of the Yankees and even the Mets.

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The Mets would be a shock as a Harper destination, and they haven’t been linked to him to this point, but there are hints they haven’t totally ruled it out.

New GM Brodie Van Wagenen said at his opening press conference that the plan is to win right away, though to this point they haven’t been connected to any of the largest players on this year’s trade market, and the biggest excitement has been over whether they will trade star pitcher Noah Syndergaard to fill multiple pieces that would bring immediate impact (they are said not to be looking for prospects). To that end, they are in contact with at least a half-dozen teams and will consider it if they can find the right fit, which won’t necessarily be easy considering the huge price tag.

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The Mets haven’t said anything on Harper to date, and owner Jeff Wilpon only offered a, “no comment,” beyond sending holiday wishes, and Van Wagenen echoed that by also declining comment when reached. Other Mets people suggested the chances aren’t great because of positional fit but stopped short of ruling it out.

Harper isn’t a perfect fit positionally for the Mets either, and would seem redundant because current outfielders Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Jay Bruce are all left handed hitters, just like Harper. Van Wagenen is said by team sources to see both Nimmo and Conforto, two of the team’s best everyday players, as corner outfielders, not center fielders, and Van Wagenen’s old client Yoenis Cespedes is also a corner guy once he comes back. Plus, the Mets have suggested they aim to give top prospect Peter Alonso every chance at first base, and they also have Jay Bruce who will play a corner spot or first base.

The Mets did meet with Harper’s agent Scott Boras at the GM meetings, but at the time it was reported that the team was showing interest in catcher Martin Maldonado and possibly Marwin Gonzalez, two other Boras clients. The Mets are expected to raise their payroll from the $150-million range this winter, but folks aren’t expecting them to blow past that by tens of millions.

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The Phillies, with their $2.5 billion local TV deal, are seen as the most aggressive spender this winter, and a few rival execs said they expect Harper and (Manny) Machado to wind up with Philly and New York (meaning the Yankees), with both saying either player could wind up with either either team.

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