Why Yankees should absolutely still offer Bryce Harper record deal

The Yankees don’t need Bryce Harper to win in 2019 and beyond, but the Washington Nationals star is too good to pass up. Will general manager Brian Cashman make a run at Harper, to add to a lineup featuring Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton?

It’s easy to get complacent, Yankees fans.

The current team is loaded, ready to win now and set up for a bright future. When Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper hits free agency after the season, the Yankees could choose to ignore his talent, swing tailor-made for the Bronx and connection to the franchise. Few would blame the Yankees to invest in, say, a starting pitcher over another slugger.

But it would be the wrong move.

Here’s why the the Yankees should find a way to squeeze Harper into the 2019 plans in the form of a record contract.

All-time great: Entering play vs. the Yankees on Tuesday, Harper led the National League with 13 home runs. In his career, the left-handed slugger has hit 163 homers. If Harper hits 27 more through the end of the season (a pretty decent bet, health permitting), he’ll end his age-25 season in the top-10 ever among players that young. We’re talking about a group that included Alex Rodriguez, Mickey Mantle, Albert Pujols and Frank Robinson.

Excellent investment: Speaking of Rodriguez, the ex-Yankee star is a reason to feel good about a potential big-money deal with Harper. Yes, feel good. While the end of Rodriguez’s career in pinstripes was ugly, the team is at fault for that. The 10-year deal signed after the 2007 season turned bad.

But don’t forget about the A-Rod contract that will mirror Harper’s: The 10-year, $252M deal signed with the Rangers after the 2000 season. Rodriguez was the same age then as Harper is now. Here’s what his next 10 seasons looked like, seven of which were spent in the Bronx: 150 OPS+, 424 home runs and three AL MVPs.

Harper odds

Players like this don’t come around often: Harper is special. While the Yankees don’t necessarily need an outfielder or slugger, the sport has changed. Superstars like Harper (and Manny Machado) simply don’t hit the market at this age often any longer. It’s an opportunity to get a game-changing star.

Giancarlo Stanton may not be long for New York: Stanton is starting to heat up. By season’s end, last year’s NL MVP may be a “true Yankee” and World Series hero. But let’s not forget about this wrinkle: Stanton owns an opt-out in his deal after the 2020 season. Acquiring Harper before 2019 could protect the Yankees if Stanton uses his opt-out.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.