The New York Yankees are, through Sunday, the best team in baseball.
They own a spectacular 16-6 record, slightly better than the 16-7 New York Mets.
The Bronx Bombers’ offense looks much improved as some of the struggling stars settle down, and they have won the last nine games.
Phil Hughes, a former MLB pitcher who made it to the majors as a Yankees’ farmhand, usually follows the team closely, having played there for several years.
He is up to date with the latest trends, situation, and the strong and weak parts of the Yankees’ roster.
As a result, he has one recommendation for the Yanks: get Brett Gardner back.
Hughes Wants The Yankees To Re-Sign An Old Friend
Yes: Hughes is advocating for the Yankees to re-sign their longtime outfielder to fulfill the role of fourth outfielder and respected leader around the clubhouse.
“If the Yankees are for real this year they need to sign Gardner as a 4th OF/clubhouse leader and battled tested postseason asset,” Hughes stated via Twitter.
If the Yankees are for real this year they need to sign Gardner as a 4th OF/clubhouse leader and battled tested postseason asset
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) May 2, 2022
The 38-year-old outfielder is obviously well past his prime: otherwise, he would be playing with some team right now.
However, there is a chance he is still good enough to help the Yankees as a fourth or fifth outfielder.
His most attractive trait at this point is that he can play an adequate center field, something that not a lot of current Yankees can brag about other than Aaron Hicks, Joey Gallo, and Aaron Judge.
All three are better off in the corners, though.
Gardner hasn’t been able to find a team after slashing .222/.327/.362 in 461 plate appearances last year with the Yanks.
Will the Yankees ever reach out?
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