"Wherever Bryce Harper wants to play, we'll make it work" - When Aaron Judge was ready to switch positions to accommodate superstar FA at Yankees

During the 2018 season, both Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper were elite. Judge made his second All-Star Game appearance while Harper made his sixth.

However, Harper's future with the Washington Nationals was up in the air. Following the end of the season, neither side could reach an agreement on an extension, making him a highly sought-after free agent.

The Yankees were interested and Judge said to TMZ Sports in February 2019 that Harper could take over his position in right field.

"Wherever he wants to play, wherever he wants to play - we'll make it work," said Judge.

Judge did not want to be the person in the way of Harper not signing with the Bronx Bombers.

However, there were a few problems. The Yanks had just taken on Giancarlo Stanton's $325 million contract in 2018 after acquiring him in a trade with the Miami Marlins. Then, general manager Brian Cashman did not see the fit given the team already had six outfielders.

Harper would go on to sign a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The two sides agreed to a 13-year, $330 million contract.

Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper are still at the top of their game

Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper (Photo via IMAGN)

Fast forward six years later, and both Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge are still elite forces in the league. Both sluggers are coming off All-Star seasons.

Judge made his sixth All-Star Game appearance while Harper made his eighth. Both their teams made the postseason in 2024.

However, having a stellar year and making the postseason was not all the sluggers accomplished. They were also in the top three for most sold jerseys this past season.

Judge came in third, while Harper's jersey was the second-most popular in 2024. It should not be a surprise that Shohei Ohtani claimed the top spot, making this back-to-back seasons as a top-jersey seller.

With how much they mean to their respective teams and the markets they play in, Judge and Harper's jerseys should continue to fly off the shelves. It will be interesting to see if and when anybody can dethrone Ohtani.