Yankees and Brett Gardner agree on one-year, $7.5 million deal for 2019

The Yankees and 2015 All-Star, Brett Gardner have agreed on a one-year, $7.5 million deal for 2019, even after the Bombers declined his club option.

Great news! The 2016 Gold Glove winner, Brett Gardner, who was drafted by the Yankees in 2005, is returning to Yankee stadium in 2019. Gardner and the Bombers agreed on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.

The 2019 club option was for $12.5M or a $2 million buyout. Both sides agreed to lower the cost to $7.5M. Additionally, as Joel Sherman tweeted, will still Gardner receive the $2M buyout. Overall, the Yanks saved $2.5 million, but Gardner may have received a bit too much money, considering his age.

In the 2018 season, Gardy’s production declined immensely as he slashed .322/.368/.690 while hitting 12 home runs and 45 RBIs. Clearly, those numbers aren’t what we’re accustomed to from Gardy, even and if he is aging. However, Yankee fans and Brian Cashman know that Brett is very respected in the clubhouse — in fact, the team looks up to him as a leader.

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Gardner’s name has long been in the rumor mill — as columnists debate whether or not the conclusion of each season will become his final in pinstripes.

However, he’s one of Cashman’s favorite players. Gardy’s a leader, he always hustles and gives it his all each and every time he steps on the field of play.

Garnder will once again be part of the outfield that also houses with Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton and yes, Jacoby Ellsbury. It remains to be seen if the Yanks will re-sign Andrew McCutchen, whom they acquired on August 31.

As we saw towards the ends of the 2018 season, Gardner lost a lot playing time because of his poor offense, leading to McCutchen taking over his position in left field. For now, it appears from this signing that the Bombers will likely make Gardner their starting left fielder, but a lot can change between now and spring training.

Perhaps the Yanks re-signed Gardy as they need a leader in the clubhouse, and everyone loves him. Gardner gave a statement in regards to re-joining the Bombers:

I’m glad Brett is back, even if his numbers weren’t great in the 2018 season. He always hustles, is a leader in the clubhouse and hopefully retires as a Yankee. Now, I’m curious to see if the Yankees will resign C.C. Sabathia. Only time will tell.