Will Brett Gardner return to the Bronx? The New York Yankees should consider it.
Brett Gardner, 37, posted a .354 OBP in 49 games with the New York Yankees in 2020. The Yankees had declined his $10-million club option at the end of the season. With the emergence of Clint Frazier, it’s likely Gardner would see his at-bats decrease in 2021 if he rejoined the club. However, his veteran presence makes him a great option as a fourth outfielder.
Gardner finished the season strong, slashing .394/.524/.667 in his final 13 regular season contests. His hot hitting continued into the playoffs. Gardner batted .368 with six runs scored in six postseason games for the Yankees. Arguably his biggest hits came in Game One of the American League Wild Card Series. His fourth inning double against Indians’ ace, Shane Bieber, extended New York’s lead to four-to-one. He also homered later in the game vs. reliever, Cam Hill.
At the moment, Gardner’s toughest competition for a roster spot would be Mike Tauchman. The 29-year old outfielder was a welcome surprise in 2019, posting a .865 OPS with 13 homers in 87 games. However, his numbers went down considerably last season, posting a .648 OPS with no homers in 43 contests.
Tauchman might have a future in the majors. I hope he does. However, the Yankees need familiarity and leadership. Gardner provides both.
The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner was taken by the Yankees in the third round of the 2005 MLB Draft out of the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Gardner made his MLB debut with the team three years later in 2008. He was the only member of the 2020 Yankees who was with the club during their last World Series title run in ‘09. Gardner is third on the Yankees’ all-time stolen base list at 270. Only Hall of Famers, Derek Jeter (358) and Rickey Henderson (326) are ahead of him.
He’s also 16th all-time in games played for the Bronx Bombers (1,548), which puts him ahead of such Yankee legends as Graig Nettles (1,535), Alex Rodriguez (1,509) and Elston Howard (1,492). If he plays at least 114 games next season, he will move into 14th place, passing Hall of Famers, Phil Rizzuto (1,661) and Tony Lazzeri (1,659).
New York doesn’t have Jeter anymore. Gardy is the one player on the club who’s won in pinstripes. He reminds me of Lou Piniella and Paul O’Neill. Granted, Gardner doesn’t have the skill of those former Yankees. He has the grit–the ability to go all out and give everything for the club. I’ve never once seen him jog out of the batter’s box. He runs, knowing any groundball could be a base hit.
Gardner’s never been the best Yankee during his tenure. He never will be. But, he doesn’t need to be. The veteran needs to show his leadership and guide the new generation of New York Yankees to the promised land.
Maybe that’s a little much. My point is the 37-year old still has value to this team. If not as an everyday player, then as a player-coach. A leader among men. A Yankee among Yankees.