Cashman: Yankees won't bid for Harper

Don't expect to see Bryce Harper donning pinstripes in the Bronx next year.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Monday at the winter meetings in Las Vegas that he has no intention of bidding for the star free agent outfielder.

"We don't have an (unlimited) amount of dollars to be playing with, in any marketplace," Cashman told reporters. "So I think if you want to ask about something that fits more."

Cashman cited the fact that the Yankees have six outfielders as his rationale behind not chasing Harper, a six-time All-Star. He also said he wouldn't view Harper as an option to play first base.

The Yankees' main outfielders on the current roster are left fielder Brett Gardner, center fielder Aaron Hicks, and right fielder Aaron Judge. Giancarlo Stanton served as a designated hitter in 86 games last season but also played 37 games in right and 36 in left.

New York also has veteran outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury returning from hip surgery that cost him all of last season, plus reserve outfielder Clint Frazier.

"At no time have I said I'm looking for an outfielder," Cashman said.

Luke Voit and Greg Bird are the Yankees' first basemen.

Harper, 26, was the National League's Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the NL's Most Valuable Player in 2015. Last season, he hit .249 with a .393 on-base percentage, a .496 slugging percentage, 34 homers, 100 RBIs and an NL-leading 130 walks.

Over his career, spent entirely with the Washington Nationals, Harper has a .279/.388/.512 batting line with 184 home runs and 521 RBIs in 927 games.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers signed free agent right-hander Tyson Ross to a one-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

While the Tigers didn't announce the financial details, multiple reports indicated that the contract is worth US$5.75 million.

Last week, the Tigers signed left-hander Matt Moore to a one-year deal. Moore and Ross will join left-handers Daniel Norris and Matthew Boyd and right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Michael Fulmer as potential starters.

Ross, 32, was a second-round draft pick of Oakland in 2008. He made his major league debut with the Athletics in 2010 and since has pitched for the San Diego Padres (two stints), Texas Rangers and St Louis Cardinals.

Last season, he played for both the Padres and Cardinals, throwing 149 2/3 innings and striking out 122. He finished with an 8-9 record and a 4.15 ERA.

In his career, Ross is 43-65 with a 3.95 ERA in 196 games (135 starts).

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