Yankees not pursuing Harper, had 'several conversations' with Machado

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman spoke frankly about the market's top free agents during day one of the winter meetings.

Cashman essentially ruled out pursuing Bryce Harper during a media scrum at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort.

"The Harper stuff, I'm surprised you are still asking," Cashman said, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

But the veteran executive left the door open regarding infielder Manny Machado.

"I have had several conversations with (agent) Danny Lozano about Manny Machado," Cashman added, according to Sherman.

A decision regarding Harper comes down to a lack of space in the Yankees' crowded outfield. New York's roster already includes Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner, and potential depth in Jacoby Ellsbury, Clint Frazier, and the club's primary designated hitter, Giancarlo Stanton.

Machado, on the other hand, would fit in at shortstop with Didi Gregorius potentially shelved for a portion of 2019 after requiring Tommy John surgery. However, a report surfaced over the weekend suggesting the Yankees are unwilling to spend $300 million to sign him.

Harper and Machado are both likely to sign record-breaking free-agent contracts this winter. The 26-year-olds have generated interest from many teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox.