MLB rumors: Nationals’ Bryce Harper to Yankees? Don’t count those chickens yet

by Felix Pantaleón

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado are scheduled to become free agents after the 2018 season. The Yankees have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for both. But that would mean general manager Brian Cashman handing over a contract worth at least $300 million.

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The Yankees are in Baltimore this weekend for a rain-shortened series with the Orioles. After that, New York visits the Blue Jays and then returns to the Big Apple for the Subway Series against the Mets at Citi Field.

The next time the Yankees are in the Bronx is Tuesday, June 12, when they open a two-game interleague series with the Washington Nationals.

Which means the Bryce Harper show will be pulling into town.

Much has been written about Harper’s impending free agency after the 2018 season. Both he and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado could fetch contracts in excess of $300 million. Harper’s could approach or even exceed $400 million.

The Yankees are one of the few teams in baseball who can afford those kinds of contracts. With Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right, the expectation is general manager Brian Cashman will at least explore signing Harper, who would join an already stacked lineup featuring Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez.

However, FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman explains why Harper might not make it to the Bronx:

A teammate of Bryce Harper says he believes Harper wants to stay as a Washington National. And, considering agent Scott Boras’ history or working things but with the Nats (Jake Arrieta was a rare exception, as has been noted here in recent weeks), don’t bet against it.

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Harper is tied for the major league lead with 18 home runs this season. He’s tied for third in the National League with 40 RBI.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.