The Yankees aren’t done making moves, despite general manager Brian Cashman acquiring Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon over the past week and a half. Bolstering the starting pitching rotation was a necessity, as the unit struggled in 2020 with injuries and inconsistencies. However, despite several starters rehabilitating from injury, the unit is now composed with more talent and potential than before.
Cashman isn’t done maneuvering just yet, though, as there are other positions that still need a bit of support. The outfield could use another player, and while the consensus is that they will retain veteran OF Brett Gardner for one more season, they could go in a different direction after clearing up $8.15 million in the Adam Ottavino trade.
Three lefty outfielders the Yankees could sign:
1.) Brett Gardner
The easiest player for the Yankees to bring back is Gardner, who’s club option for the 2021 season was rejected. Instead, Cashman elected to buy him out at $2.5 million, and offering him a one year deal in the $4-5 range makes way more sense. With ownership trying to stay under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, every cent counts, so saving even $3-4 million with Gardner on a one year deal is beneficial.
The only issue, they are better left-handed hitters on the market than Gardy at this point in his career. At 37 years old in 2020, he posted a .223 average with five homers and 15 RBIs. He did land a career-high 16.5% walk percentage and just previously set a personal record with 28 homers and 74 RBIs in 2019. Gardner is a consistent face that remains healthy and provides some offensive support, and the Yankees have always been loyal to him. I fully expect them to bring back Brett instead of scouring the market for a different player.