Brett Gardner has played with the New York Yankees for his entire career.
Since 2008, the only team he has known are the Bronx Bombers.
That streak of 15 consecutive seasons with the Yankees could end in 2022 if he is not re-signed.
The outfielder is already drawing interest from other clubs, including one with which the Yanks will be fighting all season for a postseason spot: the Toronto Blue Jays.
Per Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Blue Jays have “checked in on” Gardner.
Gardner has said multiple times that he prefers to play for the Yankees, but his team shouldn’t rule out other potential destinations if New York doesn’t want him back or if he doesn’t like their offer.
Bryan Hoch, the Yankees’ beat writer for MLB.com, brought a similar case to our minds with a recent tweet.
“Reminds me of when Jorge Posada got an offer to extend his career with the Mets. Jorge decided it was more special to have played for only one team. Could see Gardner doing the same,” he tweeted.
Reminds me of when Jorge Posada got an offer to extend his career with the Mets. Jorge decided it was more special to have played for only one team. Could see Gardner doing the same. https://t.co/J2EUaJcwVC
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 23, 2022
Is There Mutual Interest In A Reunion?
In fact, Gardner loves the Yankees, and fans are very fond of him.
At this stage, the idea of playing for just one team for his entire career should have at least some appeal to him, not to mention going to another team would mean relocating and starting a new life elsewhere.
But MLB is a business, and he should be open to every possibility.
Sure, it would be weird seeing him in another uniform, but it’s plausible, especially since the Yankees don’t seem all that keen on bringing him back.
The 2021 season wasn’t too kind with him, as he slashed .222/.327/.362 with 10 home runs and four stolen bases over 140 games (461 plate appearances).
NEXT: Aaron Judge Comments On His Dispute With The Yankees
