Yankees reportedly agreeing to deal with Brett Gardner perfectly completes offseason

New York Yankees fans simply knew Brett Gardner’s final season in pinstripes couldn’t have been in 2020. It just didn’t feel right.

No fans? Disappointing playoff exit? Untimely injuries? That’s no way to end a 13-year career with the team that drafted and developed you.

Though at times this offseason it sure seemed like the Yankees and Gardy were headed for a divorce, it seems the front office was just taking care of everything else before approaching the veteran outfielder.

According to the latest reports, just two days after manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media about the subject, the Yankees and Gardner are in contact and talking about a possible deal.

Why else would they be talking? To ask one another how they’re doing? They’ll do that when a deal is completed.

And if you don’t trust Heyman, fellow MLB insider Mark Feinsand was on the development shortly after, echoing the same sentiment.

Oh, and here we are! A deal has been agreed upon!

And we have the details!

What a way to end the offseason! Though fans are excited to see what Clint Frazier can do as the starting left fielder, nobody will have to worry about Gardy eating into his playing time. The Yankees are arming themselves with as much insurance as possible in the event injuries strike yet again, and there’s no better option in terms of familiarity and leadership than Gardner.

Right now, the Yankees only have Greg Allen, who we’re still not sure will even make the Opening Day roster, as a backup option in center field. While Allen can play all three outfield spots, he isn’t really a threat at the plate. Gardy plays stellar defense and provides quality at-bats, regardless of how you felt about his 2020 season. He had a career year in 2019 and then delivered down the stretch and in the playoffs in 2020.

We learned on Thursday that Gardner will likely have to take $3 million to return, which isn’t all that unreasonable. At this point, the Yankees are moving forward with Frazier, and Gardy pocketed $2.5 million at the end of last year when his team option was declined. So let’s call it a one-year, $6.5 million deal to provide depth, leadership and some relief against righties or when other players need a breather.

Bring back Gardy, go get No. 28, and call it a year. We like the way that sounds.

Yankees’ likely contract offer to Brett Gardner revealed

The New York Yankees still haven't ruled out Brett Gardner -- but only at their price. So, question...why isn't it also his price?! Not a bad price!