The New York Yankees, in the midst of a rare era, aren’t as willing to unload a ton of money to sign high-end free agents like they once were. Despite that, superstar Aaron Judge continues to campaign for Bryce Harper to end up in pinstripes.
On Tuesday, Judge took his recruiting to a new level when he offered to leave his post in right field if it meant making Harper a Yankee.
“[Harper has] got more speed than me, man,” Judge told TMZ Sports. “Wherever he wants to play, we’ll make it work.
“Anytime you can add an MVP to a team, it’s going to make them better.”
As things sit, the Yankees have a relatively stacked roster, particularly in the outfield where Judge and Giancarlo Stanton bookend things, and Aaron Hicks roams center field. Brett Gardner was also brought back for 2019, so he’ll serve as a veteran backup and rotational player.
If the Yankees do find an increased interest in Harper as Spring Training approaches, they’re likely to face some stiff competition. In addition to the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports there are at least four other teams interested in Harper’s services.
Hear at least 8 teams are still checking in on Harper, though at least a couple/few of them are likely thinking short-term
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 4, 2019
It remains to be seen where Harper ultimately ends up, but until the ink is dry on a contract somewhere, Judge will continue to push for him to join the Bronx Bombers.
