Brett Gardner is staying in the Bronx.
The New York Yankees have brought back the veteran outfielder on a one-year, $12.5 million deal with a $10 million option in 2021, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The contract also includes a $2.5 million buyout option.
Gardner’s retention further improves his chances of becoming a part of the limited Yankees-lifer club. The 36-year-old has been with the club since making his MLB debut in 2008.
The first game he appears in during the 2020 season will be his 1,500th with the team. Only 17 players in franchise history have played in that many games.
Following the 2019 season — his 12th with the club — Gardner was believed to be on his way out as he became a free agent before the two sides picked up momentum toward a re-signing this week.
Gardner is coming off one of his best offensive seasons as a pro, mashing a career-high 28 home runs along with 74 RBI. He had only eclipsed the 20-home-run mark once in his career before 2019.
His return allows the Yankees to bring him back into the starting fold in left field. That ensures Giancarlo Stanton can be the full-time DH considering his outfield defense has been suspect at times.
Expect Mike Tauchman or the enigmatic Clint Frazier to compete for back-up time if the Yankees don’t make any other moves to address their outfield depth.
