For Fansided’s Jake Elman, that move would be trading for the Philadelphia Phillies’ two-time MVP Bryce Harper.
“If Tucker signs with the Blue Jays, the next domino to fall should be the Yankees aggressively fighting fire with fire and trading for Harper. That’s especially true as the perennial All-Star’s relationship with Philadelphia appears to be souring to some degree…The Yankees are unlikely to bring veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt back for 2026…Frazier suggested in October that the Yankees make Rice the centerpiece of a potential Harper trade,” Elman wrote.
This past season, Harper finished slashing .261/.357/.487/.844 with 32 doubles, 27 home runs, and 75 RBI in 132 games played. Those numbers should be pumped up, though, if he were to join New York, as he could take advantage of the Short Porch as a lefty.
While Harper does have a no-trade clause in his contract, combining the facts that his relationship with Philly is fading, he’d be going to a team that made the World Series in 2024, and it’s the Yankees, he might be willing to waive that clause.
Getting Ben Rice as a centerpiece in the deal also works in Philly’s favor. They get a man who can replace Harper at first, or be JT Realmuto’s successor at catcher. Hopefully, the two teams get to talking, especially if Toronto does land their white whale in Tucker.
