Agent: Gardner wants to be a Yankee for 'entire career'

As trade rumors begin to swirl around Brett Gardner, his agent made it clear on Monday what his client's desires are: to remain a Yankee for life - according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.

Joe Bick of Pro Sports Management reiterated what Gardner told the team prior to signing a four-year, $52M extension in 2014. "His desire is to be a New York Yankee for his entire career," Bick told NJ Advanced Media. "If it works out that way, great. If not, he's going to show up and play every day."

A homegrown Yankee, Gardner has taken on an important leadership role now that Derek Jeter is gone. He made the all-star team for the first time in 2015, but faded in the second half when he hit just .206. It was revealed recently that Gardner was dealing with a wrist injury for most of the season, and that it likely contributed to his poor play. His intensity and willingness to play through injuries has made him a favorite of Brian Cashman and especially Joe Girardi.

The Yankees need pitching, however, and Gardner's team-friendly contract makes him attractive to other clubs. His name has already been linked to the Mariners and Indians so far this offseason. Newly-acquired Aaron Hicks provides flexibility for Cashman should Gardner be packaged up in a trade. Cashman said he views Hicks as an "everyday player."