With the major free agency focus elsewhere, fans can rest easy knowing that Brett Gardner wants to stay with the New York Yankees.
According to a report from Jon Heyman of MLB Network, a few teams may try to beat the New York Yankees‘ offer for free agent Brett Gardner. Fortunately for Yankee fans, Gardner seems intent on staying in the Bronx.
A couple teams are interested in Brett Gardner on a multiyear deal but Gardy, a Yankee since 2009, prefers to remain a Yankee. So still talking.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
Most don’t see any realistic possibility that Gardner isn’t wearing pinstripes in 2020. He’s been the soul of the team since Derek Jeter‘s retirement and the only player left from the 2009 championship team. His leadership and experience in the clubhouse alone are worth giving him whatever it takes to link up for another season.
Gardner is also coming off one of the best offensive seasons of his career. Signed as the presumed fourth outfielder, a slew of injuries forced him to play in 141 games. He set career highs in OPS (.829) and homers (28) while anchoring a constantly changing outfield on the defensive end.
Yankees fans can expect much of the same in 2020. Gardner’s professionalism and work ethic ensure that he’s prepared for anything the baseball season can throw at him.
And with Aaron Hicks undergoing Tommy John surgery, having a strong defender in centerfield will be an offseason priority. Gardner has filled that role time and time again. His range and experience in the Yankee Stadium outfield will more than cover for Hicks’ absence.
The bottom line is that the Yankees and Brett Gardner are just too perfect together. It doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere even though there are teams who would love to poach the scrappy outfielder.
