The current longest-tenured Yankee will remain in pinstripes for at least another season.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Yankees announced that they have come to terms with Brett Gardner on a one-year, $7.5 million deal. Gardner will essentially get $9.5 million, as he had a $2 million buyout in his contract.
The New York Yankees have come to terms with OF Brett Gardner on a one-year contract for 2019.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 31, 2018
Gardner, 35, is coming off perhaps his worst offensive season, as he slashed .236/.322/.368 with 12 homers and 45 RBI in 140 games. After the Yankees traded for Andrew McCutchen, Gardner turned into more of a bench player down the stretch. However, Gardner still plays solid defense in left field and is a valuable leader in a young Yankees’ clubhouse. His lefty bat is also a welcome addition since the team is very right-handed heavy, especially with Didi Gregorius set to miss a good chunk of time next season.
The Yankees outfield is once again crowded, with Gardner joining Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, presumably Jacoby Ellsbury (!) and perhaps a healthy Clint Frazier in 2019. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees juggle their roster this winter, and if Bryce Harper will become a factor for them in free agency.
With Gardner in the mix, the Yankees will now turn their attention towards another longtime Yankee and strong clubhouse leader, CC Sabathia.
Here are a few comments from Gardner on re-upping with the Yankees for 2019:
For Brett Gardner, coming back to the Yankees was as much about "unfinished business" as anything: pic.twitter.com/WE3kwU7acd
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) October 31, 2018
Brett Gardner said that although he could have tested the free-agent market, re-signing with the Yankees was an easy decision: pic.twitter.com/hJgpLMq4zR
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) October 31, 2018
