The latest Bryce Harper rumors seem to have him destined to play in New York, and Yankees fans surely wouldn’t mind that! With the Washington Nationals visiting the Bronx Wednesday evening to complete a short two-game series, the subject of Harper possibly joining the Bombers this offseason was brought up in an interview Harper did with MLB.com.

The big question

While Harper insisted back in February that he wouldn’t talk about his upcoming free-agency at the end of this season, he had to address the elephant in the room - or at least acknowledge it.

Some of the slugger's answers make it clear that he likes the city of New York, and may not mind donning the Yankee Pinstripes in 2019.

According to an MLB.com report, Harper seems more than a bit jovial when talking about the city of New York as a whole, and playing in Yankee Stadium. In case you didn't know, Harper grew up a huge fan of the New York Yankees, and even though he didn't come right out and say it, the thought of playing in the Big Apple under the bright lights and huge media following seems like a match made in heaven for the flamboyant slugger. In the report, Harper said, "I enjoy going there (New York) and playing. It's a good place."

The slugging right fielder went on to say that he knows the media will be asking him this week about where he thinks he will play next season, but he is only focusing on the here and now.

While that may be the PC thing to say in front of the New York press, the thought of adding Harper to an already incredible lineup, that the Yankees put out night after night, right now, is mind-blowing - and don't think that doesn't cross Harper's mind.

When an athlete mentions, more than once, that their favorite team growing up is now a team that may have serious interest in signing him this offseason, well let's just say you know Harper is more than willing to listen to what the Yankee brass would have to say if they came calling.

Free agent mania

The 2019 MLB free-agency list is impressive, to say the least. With stars like Baltimore’s Manny Machado, St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright and Toronto’s Josh Donaldson just a few of the big names preparing to hit the open market, many teams are going to be looking to make a splash this winter. Still, no other name will grab more attention than Harper.

At the tender age of 25, Harper is in his prime and most likely has at least five to seven very productive years ahead of him. The only issue with any team, including the Yankees, is what Harper wants in his next deal. Harper has said several times that he wants his next contract to be his last, and it is in the ballpark of a 10-year, $400 million deal.

To put that into perspective, George Steinbrenner led a group that purchased the New York Yankees from CBS for $8.7 million back in 1973.