MLB rumors: Yankees have ‘discussions’ about Bryce Harper at 1st base

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado are the best hitters available in free agency. Would New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman pursue Harper and move him to first base because the outfield is set with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner?

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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made his first move on Monday, trading for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton.

While Cashman continues to shop the free agent market for at least one more pitcher (Patrick Corbin? J.A. Happ?), the rumor mill still connects the Yankees to the two best hitters up for grabs: Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.

If the Yankees pursue Harper, they will face the question of what position he would play. New York is set in the outfield with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner.

The idea of moving Harper to first base has been floated, with his agent Scott Boras, making a case for why the position change could work.

According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees are keeping an open mind:

The Yankees also remain involved in the marketplace for high-end position players, although sources say the addition of Manny Machado or Bryce Harper is less of a priority than augmenting the rotation.

The Yankees have had internal discussions since the offseason began about the possibility of signing Harper to play first base, but one source described that scenario as “unrealistic” — at least, for now. The Yankees believe Machado is a better fit for their roster, given the absence of starting shortstop Didi Gregorius while he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.

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Boras has also gone on the record as saying the idea of moving Harper to first base has nothing to do with the Yankees pursuing him in free agency this winter:

“Bryce and I had the discussion on working at first base two years ago,” Boras said. “He was a catcher for years prior to signing with the Nationals, so first base is very comfortable for him as he can make the infield skill throws.

“This was done years in advance of free agency and had nothing to do with the Yankees’ outfield situation. The versatility of Bryce is value-added to any team. He has a history of playing all three outfield positions and has caught (if an emergency catcher is needed).”

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