While the Blue Jays and Mariners are fighting for a World Series spot and the Dodgers are eyeing back-to-back titles, a lot of other teams have already shifted their focus to 2026. This is the time when front offices start planning, targeting free agents, and building better rosters for next season. And who’s leading that charge? The Yankees.

They’ve been linked to some of the biggest names out there, and while nothing’s official yet, it’s clear they’re eager to shake things up. And after being pegged as a top destination for Kyle Tucker, the Yankees are now reportedly showing interest in the Phillies’ franchise cornerstone. This comes just when the Phillies are grappling with their renewed outfield concerns…

“Amid rumors of major moves in the market, the New York Yankees have emerged as a possible destination for Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper,” Marca.com reported.

The rumors seem to have started with a possible rift between Bryce Harper and Phillies president Dave Dombrowski…

Well, for those who missed it, Dombrowski recently said that Bryce Harper is no longer an “elite” player. He added that it’s uncertain if the 33-year-old can ever reach that level again. That statement raised eyebrows, especially since it came just a day after a former Phillies GM hinted that the team might be exploring a Harper trade.

“You may see one of the big contracts moved. I’m not saying who. And I know there are a lot of no-trade clauses. But you may see one of those big contracts get moved somehow, someway,” Former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said. And if it happens with Harper, Amaro states that it would be scandalous, considering how Harper is the team’s cornerstone. And just letting him go would be an unreal downfall.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Harper has said he’s open to moving back to the outfield, a role he left after his arm injury, to help the team. But Dombrowski dismissed that idea, saying, “I’d prefer not to do that.” That comment has sparked speculation that the Phillies could be eyeing a major roster shakeup… One that might include parting ways with their franchise cornerstone. And that’s where the Yankees enter the picture.

Esteban Quinones of Pinstripes Nation believes the Yankees might be “desperate” enough to pull the trigger on a deal for Bryce Harper and take on the more than $150 million left on his contract. Reportedly, this year Harper hit .261 with 27 HRs. This would certainly add some much-needed protection for Aaron Judge in the Yankees’ lineup.

“The Yankees are facing their own offensive crisis. Harper would instantly address multiple needs. His left-handed power swing is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch,” Quinones said.

Still, Dombrowski’s assessment that Harper may never return to his elite form might not be too far off. Harper’s .844 OPS this season was his lowest since 2014. So, while a trade could bring some offensive firepower to New York, it’ll be interesting to see whether Harper’s current production level justifies the Yankees making such a big move.

Bryce Harper might still have gas left to accelerate

Even as Dombrowski questions whether Bryce Harper can ever return to elite form, Harper is once again proving his value in other ways. On Wednesday, Rawlings announced that Harper is one of three NL finalists for the 2025 Gold Glove Award at first base. That’s his second straight year earning that honor.

It’s a pretty impressive feat for the 33-year-old, who’s only in his second full season playing the position after moving over from right field in 2023. He played 130 games this year, logging over 1,100 innings with just two errors and a .998 fielding percentage. Moreover, the advanced stats back up his steadiness: +1 OAA, -1 FRV, and -3 DRS. Agree or not, that’s some elite numbers.

So maybe it’s not time to write off Harper just yet. While Dombrowski’s hesitation to move him back to the outfield makes sense, this defensive consistency could be exactly what the Yankees need to notice.

After all, New York’s defense struggled this year, and Anthony Volpe even led the team in errors. That makes Harper’s reliability at first base look like the perfect fit at just the right time for the Bronx Bombers.