At this point, it’s pretty clear that outfielder Brett Gardner, who remains a free agent, only wants to play with one team.
Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2005, he was with the organization since that year until 2021.
He made his MLB debut in 2008 and played for 14 years in the Bronx, until general manager Brian Cashman decided to look elsewhere for roster upgrades.
Gardner is either waiting for a really strong offer to start somewhere, or he is waiting for an opening to appear in the Yankees’ outfield, in which case the team could realistically make him a call.
It’s not a given, though.
Gardner, meanwhile, reportedly rejected two contending teams already.
“Brett Gardner turned down a $6MM deal from the Blue Jays, according to @Ken_Rosenthal,” MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Brett Gardner turned down a $6MM deal from the Blue Jays, according to @Ken_Rosenthal: https://t.co/5I38qlsGal
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) May 13, 2022
Gardner Only Seems Interested In Playing For The Yankees, If At All
The 38-year-old Gardner wasn’t too productive with the bat last year, hitting .222/.327/.362 with 10 home runs and four stolen bases in 461 plate appearances.
His best performances came late in the season, though, and he remained a solid defender and savvy baserunner.
In his article, Rosenthal also told how Gardner didn’t want to pursue an opportunity with the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves as they learned about the Eddie Rosario injury.
If he is going to play MLB baseball again, it will likely be with the Yankees.
And frankly, with the Bombers being the best team in baseball with a 23-8 record, it’s hard to see them making a spot for old ‘Gardy’.
In any case, his contributions to the franchise can’t be denied, and he is seen as a true symbol of the organization’s recent history.
Will he get another chance?
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