Five Free Agents the New York Yankees Should Keep
Brett Gardner
Entering the 2019 MLB season, many believed it would be Brett Gardner‘s last as a member of the New York Yankees. Having spent his entire career in pinstripes, Gardy was 35 going on 36 and his hitting had suffered some in previous years.
No one could have imagined, however, that Gardner was about to have his best offensive season in MLB. So much so that he would beat out the team’s premier slugger, Aaron Judge, in home runs 28 to 27.
What’s more, he’d post a .829 OPS which is a career-high for the veteran left fielder.
Now, after an early exit in the postseason, Gardy wants to return and, quite frankly, I don’t blame him.
Fortunately for Gardner, Aaron Hicks will miss much of the season due to Tommy John Surgery, leaving the Yankees with an opening in the depth chart for an outfielder. And who better than Brett Gardner, right?
He still fields his position at an elite level, can suddenly hit for pop. and is perhaps the peskiest hitter in the Yankee lineup. What’s more, his veteran presence, especially after CC’s departure will mean a lot to an organization that has placed a high premium in team chemistry.
PREDICTION
Brett Gardner will sign a 1-year deal worth close to what he made in 2019, $7.5M – $8M.