Can we afford to have regrets in sports? Saving those bucks might ultimately prove to be costly for the New York Yankees! As pointed out by MLB analyst Terrence Cam, not signing the two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper was not a wise decision from the Yanks. Think that makes sense?

Let’s have a look at his performance since his MLB debut in 2012 when he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Harper was nominated six times into the All-Star team till 2018. While the Washington Nationals tried their best to retain him during his free agency, the Philadelphia Phillies swooped in to offer him a 13-year, $330 million contract in 2019. And well, the Pinstripes missed their chance!

The Philadelphia Phillies star is the second-best in the MLB’s top 10 first basemen. His strong defense and hitting success, with a.285 batting average, 157 hits, 30 homers, 87 RBIs, and 85 runs in 145 games in 2024 indicate the Yankees’ huge mistake of not going for him.

On February 8, MLB insider Terrence Cam said at the Pinstripe Territory episode, “The post was a photo-shopped image of Bryce Harper in a Yankee uniform, and it was like what was the biggest mistake the Yankees have made or maybe not made in the last like 20 years, and for me, it’s going to be not signing Bryce Harper.”

Yes, the Bronx Bombers displayed a picture of this $330 million star in their jersey, but they never really made a move! Cam mentioned that Bryce Harper had the best clutch ability and was one of the best hitters. Yet, the Yankees reportedly decided against pursuing Harper because of their financial constraints concerning roster management. Well, while signing Stanton was great, considering his great season, hitting 59 home runs and posting 1.007 OPS, it was definitely not an alternative to not getting Harper. Don’t you think?

But, the Yankees’ General Manager, Brian Cashman, had some other opinions, as he boasted about the team’s six outfielders. According to him, playing Harper at 1B wasn’t what the Yankees were looking for.

Could the Yankees bolster their roster?

While not acquiring Bryce Harper might be the wrong move by the Yankees, they have been quite active this off-season. They signed Jazz Chisholm Jr., hoping to play him at second base. But in that case, Gleyber Torres needed to move on to third base. As he was not ready to do so, he signed with the Detroit Tigers for a $15 million contract. However, Chisholm’s impressive 2024 record of .256 average, 24 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases make him a perfect bet for the team. 

Wait, there’s more!

The New York Yankees signed free agent Tim Hill, who made 62 appearances with the Chicago White Sox and the Yankees in 2024 and went for 4-0 with a 3.36 ERA. The Pinstripes have also invited the RHP, Allan Winans, as a non-roster player, who went 0-2 with a 15.26 ERA and 2.35 WHIP. Even though all the stats might not be exemplary, the club would like to bring out the best in every player and make a significant mark in the upcoming games. Well, they still have Paul Goldschmidt as their first baseman. Obviously, that’s something, isn’t it?

Even before Bryce Harper, the Yankees have missed out on several free agents, remember? Manny Machado? That’s just one we are naming here! Saving the money definitely caused the Yankees to lose value and production, especially when compared with Stanton. Harper’s left-handed power could’ve easily lifted the team’s lineup! But the deal is done now!

What do you think? Not signing Bryce Harper was a mistake by the New York Yankees? The comment box is open for you!