Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
As the Yankees wrapped their pro scouting meetings last week and determined a preliminary offseason strategy, a pursuit of free agent outfielder Bryce Harper was not part of the plan, according to major league sources.
As with Manny Machado, who the Yankees will monitor but not likely pursue aggressively, ownership could step in and mandate a Harper signing. The Steinbrenner family just watched the Boston Red Sox win yet another World Series, and might be in the mood to load up on superstars.
But the Yankees' early feeling is that Harper simply doesn't fit. While they could use the lefthanded bat in a righty-heavy lineup, they feel that their outfield and DH spots are spoken for.
Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton will return, and the team holds an option on Brett Gardner. Miguel Andujar might also need to move to left field or first base before long, because of his shaky defense at third. The Yanks are still paying Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Yankees have multiple bullpen and rotation spots to fill, and their early offseason focus centers more around pitching.