Brett Gardner
The longest-tenured Yankee was left off ESNY’s projected Opening Day roster but as each day passes, it seems as though Brett Gardner will remain with the team that drafted him in 2005.
Gardner, who, like they did with Brian McCann, New York hoped they could trade what’s left of his four-year, $52 million contract (two years and $25 million) and fill the void with a highly touted prospect, was reportedly being asked for by multiple teams.
However, there doesn’t seem to be a young starter with upside being offered to motivate Cashman to deal New York’s most valuable draft pick since Derek Jeter at this moment in time.
That could very well change come 2017’s deadline if two things happen.
First off, Gardner cannot dip from his .351 OBP (Top-10 in American League) production and continue to flash the leather which earned him his first gold glove.
Secondly, New York’s top prospect, Clint Frazier, needs to see his crazy bat speed translate into results to ensure his organization that they do, in fact, have a potential all-star on their hands.
Last season between Double-A Akron (Indians) and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees), the 22-year old hit 16 home runs in 119 games but slashed just .230/.271/.385 with the RailRiders.
If both those circumstances work out, Cashman would surely find a suitor to work with for Gardner and feel comfortable knowing Frazier is ready to hold a major league roster spot after dominating the Triple-A level.
