The New York Yankees didn’t hesitate to bring back veteran outfielder Brett Gardner soon after inking star pitcher Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract.
Gardner had career highs in home runs (28) and RBIs (74) last season with the Bombers, reviving his career with a newfound slugger mentality. Attribute his success to an increased launch angle or juiced baseballs if you will, Gardner played a pivotal role in supplementing injuries to starters Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Giancarlo Stanton throughout the 2019 season.
The veteran signed a $7.5 million contract over one-year last offseason and inked a more significant $12.5 million deal with the Yankees until 2021.
Can confirm that the Yankees and Brett Gardner have agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. There is an option for 2021 that is valued at $10 million (not $20M).
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) December 12, 2019
A nice payday for Gardner, who has an option in 2021 for $10 million, given he produces once again. Brett has been more than just a player for the Yankees over the years, as this will be his 13th season in Pinstripes. Not only is he a capable starter, but he’s a leader and mentor for the younger players.
With Hicks set to miss 8-10 months recovering from Tommy Johns surgery, the retention of Gardner makes perfect sense.