Brett Gardner waiting for New York Yankees to call
By David Hill
There are some players that just fit the uniform. Such is the case with Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees. His professionalism and quiet way of just going about his business on the diamond are exactly what one imagines with the franchise these days. His number 11 is going to be retired by the Yankees the moment he decides to hang up the cleats.
It is also not a surprise that other teams would be interested in Gardner due to those same attributes. The Blue Jays, amongst other teams, want to bring the veteran outfielder into the fold. Instead of signing, Gardner is waiting to see if the Yankees call him up first.
New York Yankees can have Brett Gardner if they want him
It seems inevitable that a reunion will be forthcoming. Gardner still has a locker set up in the Yankees’ clubhouse in spring training. The players on the team want him back. The coaches want him back. Gardner will likely return.
Gardner played far more than anyone anticipated last season but it was due to necessity. Injuries to the outfield forced the Yankees to send him out for 140 games, including 105 appearances in center because they did not have any other options. Amazingly the 37 year old fared well out there defensively, only costing the Yankees one run in that time.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said with the bat. Gardner posted a .222/.327/.362 batting line with ten homers and 16 doubles in his 461 plate appearances. He was still able to pick up a walk, but his 21.7% strikeout rate was the second worst mark of his career with the worst coming in 2020. His bat is clearly slowing down.
But Gardner has the type of intangibles and leadership that teams love on their roster. He would also be the only player on the Yankees’ roster to have won a championship with the team, doing so back in 2009. That experience could be valuable as the Yankees look to end that streak.
Next. The pressure is already on Anthony Volpe. dark
Brett Gardner has suitors for his services in 2022. Instead of signing right now, he is waiting to see if the New York Yankees pick up the phone.