Is the Yankees Outfield too Crowded for Bryce Harper?

Since the start of the offseason, New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has downplayed the Bombers interest in 26-year old, right fielder, Bryce Harper.

At the MLB Winter Meetings , Cashman denied any interest level at all, listing the six outfielders the Yankees currently have to fill the three outfield spots.

Harper is a once in a life time type of talent. It is very rare that a 26-year old with his caliber hits the free agent market. Is New York’s outfield really too crowded to fit a potential future hall of famer according to his agent Scott Boras?

Jacoby Ellsbury, one of the outfielders Cashman was referring to, has not played since 2017. During that year he only played in 112 games hitting .264 in 409 plate appearences and posted the worst defensive rating of his career. Will the 35 year old Ellsbury out produce Harper over the next three seasons?

A former top prospect for both the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians, Clint Frazier, has only appeared in 15 games in 2018, after struggling to recover from a concussion sustained during spring training. Frazier still has potential to break out, but has lofty expectation to fill to reach his ceiling. He must stay healthy in order to produce at the level in which he’s expected. Should Frazier’s potential really stop the Yankees from pursuing Harper?

Brett Gardner, another Yankee option for the outfield, showed signs of slowing down in 2018. The Yankees resigned Gardner this offseason, but he is best suited to be a fourth outfielder. He is great for the club house as a leader, and is steallar at getting things started at the top of the lineup. However, Gardner would serve the team best not playing everyday.

Aaron Hicks is almost a lock for the starting center field job, and Aaron Judge will be the everyday right fielder. Giancarlo Stanton is penciled in as primarily the designated hitter. The only position in the outfield left without a man is left field, the perfect spot for Harper.

Harper and Stanton can rotate between DH and left field. The options are almost endless. The current outfielders for the Bombers should not pose as obstacles for the Yankees to sign Harper.

The former National League MVP from 2015 would slot perfectly into the Bombers lineup and outfield.