YANKEES: General manager Brian Cashman cleared the pathway and opened the golden gates for pitcher Gerrit Cole in free agency, pushing aside all minuscule deals that challenged the nine-year, $324 million contract he ultimately offered.
Cole instantly becomes the top gun for the Yankees and gives them one of the best rotations in baseball, especially with a healthy Luis Severino and Jordon Montgomery in 2020. However, Cashman put veteran free agent outfielder Brett Gardner on hold due to the intensity of the Cole deal, but he will finally have time to backtrack after a strenuous process occurring during the Winter Meetings.
The Yankees will have to fend off a few teams interested in their captain if they wish to retain his services after a very productive 2019 season.
A couple teams are interested in Brett Gardner on a multiyear deal but Gardy, a Yankee since 2009, prefers to remain a Yankee. So still talking.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
Gardner earned $7.5 million on a one-year deal last season, and after producing 28 homers and 74 RBIs, both career highs, he could earn even more. The Yankees will be struggling to find available cap space after the Cole deal, but bringing back a stape of the organization and a leader for the younger players is a necessity. Consider his everlasting factor and the ability to supplement injuries, and his value is apparent.
Could the Yankees offer him a multi-year deal?
Cashman may elect to ink Gardner on a two-year deal, prolonging his inevitable retirement. Going into his 13th season in 2020, Gardner saved his deterioration by adding a power factor to his hitting. If he can replicate his 28 homers next season, the Yankees will be in great shape moving forward.
With Aaron Hicks scheduled to miss 8-10 months after Tommy John surgery, the Yankees can either bring Gardner back or feature Mike Tauchman in centerfield. Some believe Tauchman is the better option here, considering his youth and expected influence in the outfield. He could very well be the next Brett Gardner for the Yankees, holding down the fort as a reserve option over the next few seasons. He would cost next to nothing compared to Gardy.