The New York Yankees are in a pinch. The last-place division holders in the AL East are amid one of the worst seasons with next to no offensive production. Aaron Judge has revived hope of saving the season yet after coming back from a prolonged period on the injured list. But the same cannot be said of his teammates. And to think, Bryce Harper could have been one of them once.

The Philadelphia Phillies slugger has revolutionized the team since joining them in 2018, ending their World Series drought in 2022. Although they didn’t win, it was their first appearance since 2009, largely thanks to Harper. Once upon a time, he could have done it in Pinstripes but never got the chance, thanks to Yankees GM Brian Cashman.

Brian Cashman Did Not Find Bryce Harper to be a Good Fit For New York Yankees

Cashman has been working in some capacity for the Yankees for decades, but his popularity has never surged upward. Forever frustrated by his decisions, fans have been calling for a replacement for years. One such decision was to let go of Bryce Harper in 2018, then a star player fresh off of the Washington Nationals.

While the right fielder’s superstar status has only risen since then, Bronx fans lament the fact that he could have done it with the Yankees. Back in 2018, MLB insider Bryan Hoch reported Cashman found Harper at first base for the Yankees ‘unrealistic’. At a time when the slugger was one of the most sought-after free agents, Cashman essentially declared him useless.

The general manager’s decision-making has often come under fire, especially in 2023. The Yankees made no bold moves to strengthen their roster last winter and are moving along the same lines as the trade deadline comes up.

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Baseball may be a team game, but each individual makes an impact. Harper, the reigning World Series MVP, would certainly have been valuable. Even if 2022 was a year of injuries ending in Tommy John surgery for him.

Harper is Struggling to Make a Return at Full Strength

The Phillies slugger has been slated at the designated hitter position after making a seemingly miraculous recovery this year. While he’s still not at full strength, Harper has been doing the best he can. But this last week or so has been disastrous for the Phillies, who keep making blunders when it comes to base running.

The list sadly includes Harper too. And manager Rob Thomson gave an unfortunate update recently – the DH is dealing with a minor injury. Tommy John surgery caused him to miss months of play, so his body is understandably sore.

Thankfully though, it’s not a major issue and Philly fans will get to see their favorite slugger back in action soon.

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