Brett Gardner is not an everyday player OF anymore
Aside from CC Sabathia, Brett Gardner is the only member of the Yankees left over from the 2009 season, the last time the Yanks won the World Series. Like CC Sabathia, Brett Gardner was signed to a 1-year deal this offseason and is not expected to be an every day player anymore.
In 2018, Gardy had his worst season since 2008, when he was called up to play in just 42 games.
Last season, he posted career lows in wRC+ (90), BA (.236), and OBP (.322).
Defensively, Gardner didn’t fare any better.
Once considered one of the better defensive LF in the game, last season Gardy took a step back by posting his lowest DRS total in three years and tying the most errors (E) he has committed since 2011.
This doesn’t mean that Brett Gardner just gets forgotten about. He can still play a major role for the Yankees as a fill-in OF, he can fill in as a runner late in games, and he can maintain a strong presence in the clubhouse.
With Gardy taking a lesser role with the organization, LF is up for grabs, and who better than Bryce Harper, a 26-year old OF with lots of upside left to take over the reigns?