Peter Gammons Clarifies Bryce Harper, Cubs Comments, Talks Star Joining Yankees

Longtime MLB reporter Peter Gammons attempted to calm the firestorm concerning his comments that Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper could potentially sign with the already star-studded Chicago Cubs by forecasting he'll join the New York Yankees in free agency.

On Tuesday, Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post passed along comments Gammons made Monday on The Rich Eisen Show. He said the Cubs likely won't be able to afford both Harper and Kris Bryant, so the connection was just a talking point, not a prediction.

"If I were to guess one place, it would be the Yankees," Gammons said. "Because they're going to have so much money to spend at the time he's out there. And there's no doubt in my mind that Bryce could take the pressure of playing in New York."

The conversation started Friday when Gammons told CBS Chicago sources told him Harper would "prefer" to join the Cubs once he hits free agency.

"You know, I have people tell me that Bryce Harper really would prefer to play for the Cubs," he said. "Somehow, I don't think it's going to be affordable to have Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant on the same team. But it's a great idea. I'd love to see it because I respect them both so much personally and professionally. But I don't think it's ever going to happen."

Even though Gammons included those warnings about the lack of money to pay the last two National League MVPs, the remarks caused a stir. It sounded like Chicago might be preparing to become the Golden State Warriors of baseball by adding another top-tier superstar to a loaded roster.

Harper isn't eligible to become an unrestricted free agent until after the 2018 season, but it's already one of the league's most discussed topics.

Last month, the 24-year-old superstar said after signing a one-year deal to avoid offseason arbitration he had no interest in thinking too far ahead, per Chelsea Janes and Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post.

"I think 2018 is a ways away," Harper said. "I'll let [agent] Scott [Boras] and all those guys take care of that. Solidify what's going to happen now … the rest, I'm not really worried about that right now."

Whether it's the Nationals, Cubs, Yankees or another organization, it's going to take an unprecedented investment to sign him. One MLB general manager told ESPN.com's Eddie Matz the speculated $400 million figure is "light" and suggested the outfielder could get up to $40 million per season over 15 years.