With his impending free agency in the winter of 2018 looming, Bryce Harper understands that rumors can take on a life of their own. 

Close your eyes and just imagine this scene: Bryce Harper is in the on-deck circle for the New York Yankees while Aaron Judge steps to the plate with two runners on and first base open.

Holy Cow! That would be incredible, right?

Well, according to Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News, the 24-year old Capital City superstar has heard the speculation and totally understands where it comes from.

“I think that’s just part of people talking and hearing what they want to hear,” Harper remarked, adding that he’s seen his name linked to multiple teams, not just the Bronx Bombers.

“If it’s not the Yankees one day, it’s the Cubs the next day. If it’s not the Cubs, it’s the Phillies or the Dodgers.”

While everyone is speculating about where Harper will get his next contract, expected to be worth more than $400 million, Harper reaffirmed his affinity for the only club he’s ever played for, the Washington Nationals.

“We’ve still got a long way to go [before free agency]. And like I said, and I say this all the time, I do love playing in D.C. It’s a great place to play.”

Regardless, someone may have to shell out half-a-billion big ones to ink the Las Vegas native to a record-obliterating contract that will carry Harper through his prime years. And with that short porch in right and guys like Gary Sanchez and the aforementioned future MVP Judge, the only question to ponder is why not the Bronx?

Granted, Judge and Harper do currently play the same outfield position, right field. And the Yankees are going to have to spend lavishly on an extension for Judge.

But I am positive that if the club was willing to spend for both, one of them wouldn’t have any problems moving to the other corner outfield spot if it meant a chance to play together.

Just give me those two back-to-back in the lineup and we’ll be celebrating several more championships in the Boogie Down for years to come.