Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees are moving ever closer to keeping the lefty-swinging fan favorite in pinstripes for awhile longer.
It’s not over yet for Brett Gardner’s New York Yankees career. The team has shown initiative by making an offer, which many fans hope is one he can’t refuse.
MLB insider Jon Heyman broke the news of the Bombers’ latest offer on Twitter.
“Yankees made another offer to Brett Gardner so the sides continue to talk,” Heyman tweeted. “Gardy has made clear he prefers to return to them for a 13th season. They love him as well, and with (Aaron) Hicks sidelined to start the year, it’s hard to imagine Gardner and the Yankees not working things out.”
Hicks, the Yankees starting centerfielder, is expected to miss 8-to-10 months after Tommy John surgery in late October.
In addition, Aaron Judge has yet to prove he can stay healthy after his rookie year in 2017. Giancarlo Stanton was MIA for almost all of 2019 as well.
Even Mike Tauchman of next-man-up fame went down at the end of last season.
The unfortunate injury history in the Bombers’ outfield gives Gardner excellent leverage. Likewise, his career-highs in HR (28), RBI (74) and OPS (.829) indicate he’s due for a significant raise.
GRAND SLAM!
Brett Gardner turns a 2-run deficit into a 2-run lead with one swing ? pic.twitter.com/8VMf5R8Art
— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2019
Gardner made $7.5 million on a one-year deal in 2019.
The 36-year-old veteran has slashed .260/.342/.401 in 12 MLB seasons, all with the Yankees. He’s also invaluable as a leader in the New York clubhouse and beloved by fans for antics like smashing his bat on the dugout ceiling and going off on umpires.
And Brett Gardner has lost his mind pic.twitter.com/ghixGTIMOP
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) August 10, 2019
New York should re-sign him just to see what new frustration-venting technique he’ll come up with in 2019.