Headlines

  • Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury
  • Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin
  • Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib
  • Tucker Barnhart To Retire
  • Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline
  • Reds Release Jeimer Candelario
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Yankees “Absolutely No Intention” Of Trading Gardner

By edcreech | December 15, 2013 at 3:00pm CDT

The Yankees have "absolutely no intention" of trading Brett Gardner to clear room in their crowded outfield or to fill a need elsewhere, according to team president Randy Levine. Levine made the comments this morning on ESPN Radio's The Ian O'Connor Show (partial transcript courtesy of ESPNNewYork.com).

"We think he's going to be on the roster," Levine said. "One of the reasons the baseball people signed Jacoby Ellsbury is the two of them together present a tremendous dynamic one-two or nine-one, whatever Joe Girardi decides to write in at the top of the lineup. One will play left, one will play center, and it's a tremendous defensive situation. So, no, there's absolutely no intention to move Brett Gardner."

Gardner has been a popular name on MLBTR this winter with reports linking him to the Tigers, Reds, Indians, and Giants. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects a $4MM arbitration salary for the 30-year-old after he slashed .273/.344/.416 in 609 plate appearances with 24 steals and an AL-leading 10 triples in 2013. Gardner will be eligible for free agency next offseason.

Levine also addressed the Alex Rodriguez situation and its implications on the team's desire to remain underneath the $189MM luxury tax ceiling. With a decision from the arbitrator expected next month on A-Rod's 211-game suspension, Levine claims the third baseman is in the team's 2014 plans.

"From our planning purposes, we have Alex Rodriguez in our budget as is if he will be playing," Levine said. "And that's the way it will be until there's a change of circumstance. His money is in the budget. But as we stand now, we have a shot to get to 189. I think it's a fair shot. It all depends on what type of players become available to us, and what choices we have to make."

Share 6 Retweet 70 Send via email0

New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez Brett Gardner

Huntington On Free Agency, Burnett, First Base
Main
AL Notes: Rays, Garza, Ibanez, Astros
View Comments (154)
Post a Comment

154 Comments

  1. GoForThree

    12 years ago

    I’ve had no intentions of doing some things either, but i did them. To me, it makes little sense to keep Gardner if he can be used to fill a need elsewhere via trade.

    Reply
    • liberalconservative

      12 years ago

      Gardner’s value is only going to go up not down. The yanks still may trade him but that will be after they get a big over pay. Some team will lose their starting CF and over pay with a good young starter. Keep a eye on the tigers or Braves.

      Reply
      • slasher016 2

        12 years ago

        No one is going to overpay for Gardner with one year or less on his contract.

        Reply
      • Joe Valenti

        12 years ago

        They only have so much time. Gardner is a FA next offseason

        Reply
  2. ROR1997

    12 years ago

    Only way I see him being traded, is in a trade for both a SP and 2B.

    Reply
    • Collateral96

      12 years ago

      I think they would have paid phillips the extra money if a starter was attached there wasn’t one so it got rejected

      Reply
    • Collateral96

      12 years ago

      oh right sorry for saying the same thing

      Reply
  3. Joe Orsatti

    12 years ago

    Ichiro is on the move. $6.5mm for a .270 hitter who can pay for himself in ticket sales and jerseys in 2 months. I’d say that a small market team in the AL may be into him. Minnesota Twins maybe. The return may be like Vanimal or something like that. I can see that happening. If they are going for the “Win this Year” thing then it may be good for then to jump.

    Reply
    • Ziggy13

      12 years ago

      Don’t think you’ll be seeing a lot of jersey sales for an old player in the last year of his contract

      Reply
      • beisbolista

        12 years ago

        Ichiro is not a typical old player in the last year of his contract. No matter where he goes, he draws huge numbers from the Japanese community, and they go absolutely gaga over him. He is Japan’s Babe Ruth, and until he retires, he’ll continue to have that same magic.

        Reply
        • GoForThree

          12 years ago

          Sadaharu Oh is Japan’s version of Babe Ruth.

          Reply
          • beisbolista

            12 years ago

            If not Gabe Kapler

            Reply
            • GoForThree

              12 years ago

              Well Kapler is in a whole other stratosphere!

              Reply
        • Catztradamus

          12 years ago

          hes also played 146 games every year minimum and south of 157 just twice. and he was still worth 1.4 bWAR last year in arguably his worst offensive season of his career.

          Reply
          • The_Unnatural

            12 years ago

            Under 2 WAR isn’t good. It’s not considered an everyday player.

            Reply
            • Catztradamus

              12 years ago

              there are 30 major league baseball teams. 8 position players per team. thats 240 players, provided NO ONE GETS INJURED.

              99 position players put up 2.0 fWAR last year.

              120 put up 1.0

              Ichiro’s 1.2 fWAR was good for 117th in the game, and worth roughly 8mm in salary.

              not sure what world you’re living in.

              Reply
              • Catztradamus

                12 years ago

                Also, 45 OF posted more fWAR than Ichiro total. Meaning at least 50% of the starting OF in the game put up less fWAR

                Reply
              • JaysFan1996

                12 years ago

                you are living in the NL world I think, 9 players depending if you count the DH

                Reply
                • Joe Valenti

                  12 years ago

                  If we are getting technical, DH doesn’t have a position on the player, ergo he is not a position player…but I’m more trolling then anything with that comment

                  Reply
          • beisbolista

            12 years ago

            Plus, the guy can still rake against lefties. There is a platoon situation for him out there somewhere at the very least.

            Reply
        • truthlemonade

          12 years ago

          Does Ichiro really draw “huge draws” from the Japanese community? I doubt it. And secondly, how many cities actually have “Japanese communities” to draw from? I’m thinking, LA, SF/Oak, NY, and Seattle. LA has too many outfielders as it is. NY already has him. Seattle might take him back for old time’s sake. I think you’re overvaluing Ichiro’s popularity and ability to sell jerseys.

          Reply
          • beisbolista

            12 years ago

            His draw is not limited to the local market. Japanese fans travel from great distances to see Ichiro play. He is a huge draw. Next season, go to a home game, or even an away game where Ichiro is playing and you’ll know what I mean. Visit the press box- a huge contingent of Asian continent reporters there to report just on Ichiro. This is not made up stuff.

            Reply
            • Joe Valenti

              12 years ago

              While I agree that he has a huge following, I disagree with the original idea that he draws in enough revenues to cover his contract.

              Most of the “hype” that follows Ichiro is media coverage. While his jersey might sell well and a few fans might come to see him play, most of the draw will come from the Japanese media and additional media is more of a cost burden than an actual revenue stream (unless they buy excess amounts of food from the press box cafeteria)

              Reply
              • beisbolista

                12 years ago

                The amount of revenue a player draws is only part of the equation when it comes to a player’s value to a team. Despite Ichiro’s regression in defense and poor performance against righties at the plate, he has triple slash against lefties in the last few years remains impressive, including an average well above .300. Between Ichiro’s value as a brand and a draw, and his value as a player, he is well worth the price of admission for many teams. In fact, the Yankees would not hesitate to keep him if it were not for the outfield traffic jam.

                Reply
      • FamousGrouse

        12 years ago

        I see them at Ross all the time.

        Reply
    • GoForThree

      12 years ago

      Ichiro would serve as a novelty draw perhaps, at first, but that would soon wear off.

      Reply
    • Catztradamus

      12 years ago

      the deal that makes a lot of sense is actually some combination of Ichiro to Philly for papelbon.

      Reply
      • GoForThree

        12 years ago

        It makes no sense for the Phillies other than Amaro is a horrendous GM.

        Reply
        • Catztradamus

          12 years ago

          depends. If they really want to rid him out of the clubhouse, and theres no money changing hands, they still need a LH bench bat, and they pick up 6mm in salary relief this year and rid themselves of the contract next year and after. shift MAG to the Pen, go sign santana or Garza or Jimenez….

          its not completely out of context, especially if they can swing a prospect back as well. Paps is worth more than Ichiro straight, but the salary relief pat for the Yankees makes a ton of sense this year.

          Reply
          • GoForThree

            12 years ago

            I just don’t see Ichiro as viable help for most any team.

            Reply
            • Catztradamus

              12 years ago

              for the Phillies he’s actually a nice insurance policy as a LH bat off the bench/platoon with Byrd, defensive replacement, and they rid themselves of Papelbon. Most teams arent getting salary relief by taking on his contract. The Phillies pick up 6mm this year and 13mm next.

              Reply
              • Catztradamus

                12 years ago

                the other thing to remember about the Phillies here: Byrd is 35. he hasn’t played 150 games since 2010. Brown gets hurt every year, and Revere has yet to play more than 124 games in a season. after those three? they’re OF depth is John Mayberry, who should have been non tendered and two non OF in Ruf and Cesar Hernandez who likely doesn’t make the roster now. They actually need another OF option.

                suzuki has played less than 150 games ONCE in his entire career. the dude is a picture of health. I’m a phillies fan, and I make that deal all day.

                Reply
                • Joe Orsatti

                  12 years ago

                  Cesar is out of options and exposing him to waivers would just be plain stupid, he hit over 300 in the 30 or so games he played with Philly this year. I’d start Ruf in AAA this season unless we get a good trade for Cesar.

                  Reply
                  • Catztradamus

                    12 years ago

                    Cesar is not put of options. International rules give him one more year.

                    And in either case, if Frandsen is on the roster, galvis is your back up SS, you can’t carry Cesar and Frandsen. Something has to give there.

                    Reply
            • Joe Valenti

              12 years ago

              I actually see his point here. It’s not so much that Ichiro is a fit, it’s that Papelbon is even less of a fit. They are simply just trying to free some space in the budget. They could also get a prospect in return

              Reply
    • chris hines

      12 years ago

      Ichiro hit .235/.282/.307 against RHP this year… He’s done.

      Reply
  4. East Coast Bias

    12 years ago

    Yankees need pitching, but trading Gardner is not the answer. They should sign a bunch of lower tier arms and hope one of them pans out. They did the same thing a few years ago with Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia.

    Of course, they can make a push for Garza or Santana, depending on how close they are to the 189m. I really wish the team (and fans) would get some closure on the ARod situation soon, so the Yankees can make appropriate moves based on the outcome.

    Reply
    • FamousGrouse

      12 years ago

      Even guys that didn’t make good-like Mike Pelfry and Edison Volquez are signing for $5-8 million.

      Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      12 years ago

      I am still holding out hope that once it is announced that A-Rod is going to be suspended for at least 181 games, the Yankees will pull off a blockbuster trade, sending Brett Gardner, Michael Pineda, and Ichiro Suzuki to the Milwaukee Brewers for Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, and Rickie Weeks. They will then turn around and trade Weeks to the Detroit Tigers for Ian Kinsler.

      I am operating under the belief that Masahiro Tanaka will be posted and that the Yankees will get him. CC, Kuroda, and Tanaka will make up the front end of the starting rotation and some combination of Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda (unless he is traded) and David Phelps will be their #4 and #5 starters with David Huff and Adam Warren also being spot starters/long relievers.

      Reply
      • strikethree

        12 years ago

        What did I just read…

        Reply
      • LazerTown

        12 years ago

        no, i heard gardner for trout straight up earlier.

        Reply
        • scrody13

          12 years ago

          No way that deal gets done. Anaheim would have to sweeten the pot a little bit more.

          Reply
  5. Brandon Mason

    12 years ago

    Good their going to need him when Ellsbury Gets Hurt.

    Reply
    • FamousGrouse

      12 years ago

      Hey he has to keep in good shape for that 2020 contract.

      Reply
  6. RyÅnWKrol

    12 years ago

    Lots of DH time might be needed for Beltran, Ichiro, and Soriano. I say trade Ichiro for a SP if they can. Soriano, Ellsbury, Gardner, Beltran in their OF can still work out where everyone gets due playing time because Soriano and Beltran could still need increasing DH time.

    Reply
    • East Coast Bias

      12 years ago

      Soriano will be the full time DH, with Beltran, Jeter, etc. going to DH when he gets a day off. I wouldn’t include him in the OF mix. It just muddles things.

      Also, Ichiro is the 4th OF, there to give any of the OFs a day off.

      Reply
    • MB923

      12 years ago

      Why would Ichiro DH??? Unless you meant Jeter?

      Reply
    • BCleveland3381

      12 years ago

      Im just not sure who the Yanks would be able to get for Ichiro. Maybe a guy with a year left on a deal coming off a bad year. But Ichiro had a terrible year by Ichirio’s standards last season. His OBP was under .300. He’s 40 years old and making 6.5 mil, Im just not sure what team would give up anything for him.

      Reply
      • MB923

        12 years ago

        My only guess would be a middle relief pitcher at best. I think they should actually keep him because he can be serviceable off the bench as a pinch runner or defensive replacement

        Reply
      • LazerTown

        12 years ago

        I wasn’t sure what team would pay him $13M over 2 years, but that happened.

        Reply
  7. InvalidUserID 2

    12 years ago

    That’s nice Yankees. You still need an everyday 2B, 3B and at least one more starting pitcher along with bullpen help.

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      12 years ago

      Once it is announced that A-Rod is going to be suspended for at least 181 games, the Yankees will pull off a blockbuster trade, sending Brett Gardner, Michael Pineda, and Ichiro Suzuki to the Milwaukee Brewers for Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, and Rickie Weeks. They will then turn around and trade Weeks to the Detroit Tigers for Ian Kinsler.

      I am operating under the belief that Masahiro Tanaka will be posted
      and that the Yankees will get him. CC, Kuroda, and Tanaka will make up
      the front end of the starting rotation and some combination of Ivan
      Nova, Michael Pineda (unless he is traded) and David Phelps will be
      their #4 and #5 starters with David Huff and Adam Warren also being spot
      starters/long relievers.

      Reply
      • LazerTown

        12 years ago

        Just because it worked on your xbox doesn’t mean it does in real life. If the Brewers are trading those players they can get a much much better package than Gardner/Pineda/Ichiro.

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          12 years ago

          How do you figure? Nobody knows what Braun’s post-PED production will be, nobody other than the Yankees can afford to take that kind of risk on Braun’s contract, and nobody other than the Yankees will take over $30MM of salary obligations in the form of the money due Ramirez and Weeks in 2014. I think that it would be a good deal for both teams.

          Reply
    • hediouspb

      12 years ago

      A rod is still at third… Can’t replace him till they work that mess out. Nunez can man second along with the other guys on the roster.

      Reply
  8. dc21892

    12 years ago

    Everyone thought that with Crawford and Ellsbury too. Just saying…

    Reply
    • East Coast Bias

      12 years ago

      Ellsbury didn’t get traded. Just saying…

      Reply
      • dc21892

        12 years ago

        I’m strictly talking about pairing two similar skill sets. They’re saying they feels it’s an asset. No one is talking about Ellsbury being traded. I was referring to how they mentioned it’s an asset to have them both in the lineup. I’m aware Ellsbury didn’t get traded, and left on his own.

        Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      12 years ago

      And Gardner doesnt have an obscure contract

      Reply
  9. GetTheRunnerOver

    12 years ago

    Sign Matt Garza. Mark Ellis wouldve been a nice temporary 2b, dont know why Cashman didnt move in on him. Or even Michael Young

    Reply
    • MB923

      12 years ago

      Young is still available I think. Hoping he’s not an everyday starter though

      Reply
      • GetTheRunnerOver

        12 years ago

        He would still hit for a solid average, especially in Yankee stadium. Better than KJ at least right?

        Reply
        • Too Many Idiots

          12 years ago

          Yankee Stadium usually doesn’t help RH hitters.

          Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          12 years ago

          I think that Kelly Johnson is going to be the Francisco Liriano of 2014, but even if he isn’t, if the Yankees sign Stephen Drew and Michael Young, they will have more than enough infield depth and offensive upside to be very competitive next year, especially if they are able to get Masahiro Tanaka for their rotation and Jonathan Papelbon for their bullpen.

          Reply
    • James F

      12 years ago

      Michael Young is bad at baseball.

      Reply
  10. The Original Drew

    12 years ago

    I wouldn’t put too much stock in Levines comments. Do I think the Yankees are actively shopping Gardner? Not at all, but I do believe that there are teams making calls to the Yankees. If the Reds were to offer Homer Bailey for Gardner it would be really hard for the Yankees to say no.

    Reply
    • MB923

      12 years ago

      I think Yanks would accept that too and should. When is Bailey a FA?

      Reply
      • jjs91

        12 years ago

        2015.

        Reply
      • WrigleyTerror37

        12 years ago

        Same as Gardner after 2014

        Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        12 years ago

        I would have preferred to trade for Brett Anderson when he was still available and I would only trade for Bailey if I am getting Phillips as well without having to pay him more money. Otherwise, I will be happy to wait and see what happens with Masahiro Tanaka and if I cannot get him, then I would prefer to bid on a cheaper lefty like Paul Maholm.

        Reply
    • j m

      12 years ago

      You’re dreaming if you think the Reds would offer Bailey straight up for Gardner. Bailey was top 10 in the NL in innings, SO, SO/BB ratio, and was 11th in whip.

      Reply
      • The Original Drew

        12 years ago

        I never said that the Reds would do that. My point was that Bailey would be the type of pitcher the Yankees would trade Gardner for. They aren’t shopping him and they wouldn’t take nothing for him just because they have 4 outfielders. Please carefully read things before overreacting.

        Reply
  11. HubcapDiamondStarHalo

    12 years ago

    If they have to pay A-Rod next year, the only way they’re staying under 189 is to hire a bunch of guys at minimum wage… not baseball minimum wage, but McDonald’s minimum…

    Reply
    • MLB_in_the_Know

      12 years ago

      They only need to be under 189 for one season for luxury tax purposes.

      Reply
      • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

        12 years ago

        I know… but if they wind up responsible for A-Rod’s salary and with everything else they have on the books, I just don’t see how they fill out their roster for 2014 and stay under the 189, even for one season. Without A-Rod, yes, possible. The Yankees lose SO much revenue by not being competitive that it’s near worth it for them to have to eat another year of the tax.

        Reply
        • pft2

          12 years ago

          They are already over 189, about 200 with Arod, but I agree with you on the potential lost revenue. Right now they must be hoping the prayer of a healthy Jeter and a couple of new faces will bring out the fans, so it depends on if Yankee fans buy the spin or not.

          YES revenues are pretty much locked no matter how they do as only 20% of YES revenues come from advertising, as fans and nonfans are locked into paying YES with their cable bills.

          Reply
          • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

            12 years ago

            Ah, thank you for the YES info. I had read somewhere that the team lost some off the revenues from last season, but I wasn’t able to find any followup on it. As with so many teams any more, even for the Yankees, the network is a savior.

            Reply
          • Erich Dobson

            12 years ago

            Where do you keep getting this “already over $189” nonsense? The Soriano and Wells contracts are mostly being paid by their old teams.

            Reply
      • Reggie Smith

        12 years ago

        But its clearly not happening this year. Think they’re right up against it right now, with 5 or 6 roster spots to go. Even ARod can’t help that much. (At least not the way Cashman is spending)

        Reply
      • pft2

        12 years ago

        So they go over the LT threshold in 2015 at a 17% tax? How do they save in 2015? If they go over 30 million in 2015 they save 10 million in tax? That’s worth tanking 2014? Makes no sense. They could lose 50-75 million in revenues with another 85 W season like last year.

        Maybe if their farm system was not producing squat they could consider 189, but they have not developed a full time position player since Gardner in 2005

        Reply
  12. Catztradamus

    12 years ago

    I’m kind of shocked that there haven’t been any Franklin/Ackley to the yankees rumors.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      12 years ago

      What do the Yanks have to give to Mariners?

      Reply
  13. SluggerBro

    12 years ago

    Why is Randy Levine saying this? Isn’t this ownership and Cashman’s job? This guy seems like he’s really outstaying his welcome and overstepping his bounds the past few years, what exactly does he do anyway besides cause embarassment with comments that cause MLB to investigate him and rifts between players and managment these days?

    Reply
    • Delia Enriquez

      12 years ago

      He’s basically repeating what Brian Cashman has been saying for the past two weeks or so. Maybe since no one was listening to Cashman, they’d have Levine say it as well. And if this doesn’t work, then maybe that’s when Hal and Hank get involved.

      Reply
  14. Matt Galvin

    12 years ago

    Soriano back to 2B.

    Reply
    • GoForThree

      12 years ago

      That would be hilarious to watch.

      Reply
  15. kcstengelSr

    12 years ago

    If the Bronx eats all but league minimum contract for Ichiro, what kind of keystone will they get in return? Can Gardner play second?

    Reply
    • Stoibs

      12 years ago

      hahaha

      Reply
      • kcstengelSr

        12 years ago

        Gardner did play infield for the Bronx. Billy. Threw right-handed.

        Reply
        • kcstengelSr

          12 years ago

          “Shotgun” Billy. Now we know how Willie Nelson named that album.

          Reply
    • GoForThree

      12 years ago

      A left handed 2nd baseman.

      Reply
      • sgtschmidt11

        12 years ago

        There is only one available Lefty 2B out there. The Yanks would have to trade for Daniel Murphy. Kipnis, Cano (obviously), and Carpenter are unavailable. Kelly Johnson is already on the Yanks. Utley maybe? or Ackley as a buy-low prospect. There you go, a complete list of LH 2b out there, good luck.

        Reply
        • stl_cards16

          12 years ago

          He is referring to Gardner being left handed(throwing)……which you don’t see at 2B.

          Reply
          • sgtschmidt11

            12 years ago

            Or he’s requesting a Lefty 2B in trade for Gardner. After all that is what Cano was. I’m fully aware that there is no such thing as a lefty throwing 2B. SS & 3B it isn’t seen as well. Depends if he’s responding to the first prompt or the second.

            Reply
  16. Spare Tire Dixon

    12 years ago

    If there is a taker for Ichiro, that has to be the play. No one wants Wells. Gardner, Ellsbury, Beltran in the OF, rotating with Soriano at DH/OF sounds very good for the Yankees. Gardner has the greatest value of course, but if they can’t get a SP, bravo for keeping him

    Reply
  17. nwh2787

    12 years ago

    They have six outfielders, I am pretty sure Suzuki will get traded.

    Reply
    • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

      12 years ago

      But you have to have a trade partner for that to happen. Who’s going to want him?

      Reply
      • nwh2787

        12 years ago

        Good question, but who would want Vernon Wells or Alfonso Soriano? I don’t think the Mariners would be interested in a reunion but who knows. It would be someone on the west coast I am sure.

        Reply
  18. kcstengelSr

    12 years ago

    If the Yankees don’t get a second baseman this week, how much will they lose in season ticket sales before Christmas? They could lose more money than the luxury tax hit. Gardner is a chip, even with only one year of club control. Ichiro is no longer much of a chip, unless the Bronx Christmas-gift second baseman to entice ticket sales is someone we all have to look up in the record books.

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      12 years ago

      Brian McCann is far more of an upgrade at catcher than Kelly Johnson would be a downgrade at 2B. In fact, I predict that KJ will be the Francisco Liriano of 2014. I seriously doubt that the Yankees are going to be having problems selling tickets this year. Beltran and Ellsbury will be far more interesting to watch than Cano, who is going to be a bust in Seattle. I predict that he never hits over .300 or gets more than 20 HRs, 100 RBIs, or 100 runs scored again in his career.

      Reply
    • rogyanks

      12 years ago

      I think ticket sales will be just fine with the additions they have made.

      Reply
  19. kcstengelSr

    12 years ago

    Plan A, Cano, check. Plan B, Infante, check. Plan C, Ellis, check. It’s beginning to look at lot like Johnson.

    Reply
    • Delia Enriquez

      12 years ago

      Plan D, Michael Young. Plan E, Jayson Nix. After those two are off the board, then it could be Kelly Johnson. 😉

      Reply
      • Jeremy Russell

        12 years ago

        Kelly Johnson is still a solid 2B, Michael Young and Nix are certainly not better than Johnson.

        Reply
      • kcstengelSr

        12 years ago

        Actually, if keeping Gardner is a priority and since the Bronx already gave up on the 2014 draft, sign Drew and make the Red Sox even more unhappy. Blow through the luxury tax in style.

        Reply
        • kcstengelSr

          12 years ago

          Bronx signing Drew would definitely get a few to buy those season ticket Christmas stocking-stuffers. The Yankees would shout, the Red Sox would pout. Santa Claus is coming to town.

          Reply
          • Reggie Smith

            12 years ago

            Red Sox signed Drew to a one-year deal, won a WS, and get a 1st Rd Comp Pick. Whats to “pout” about?

            Red Sox fans will be celebrating the Drew departure and the welcoming of yet another pick. He’s all yours NY. Good Luck building a team from within, when your first pick isn’t until the 3rd round. You know AFTER the Red Sox have already taken 4 picks.

            Reply
            • Bertin Lefkovic

              12 years ago

              What are the odds that any of those 4 picks amount to anything? The jury is still out on Jackie Bradley Jr..

              Reply
              • kcstengelSr

                12 years ago

                yea. i think it takes drew. phillips or kendrick would cost players. drew would upset the red sox and fill the stocking and that red stocking would look less full.

                Reply
              • Reggie Smith

                12 years ago

                To take JBJs draft of ’11 for example, the first four picks were (Matt, Barnes, Blake Swihart, Henry Owens, Jackie Bradley). Those are some good prospects, and far too soon to make a call on yet (However safe to say much better picks than Yankees ’11 draft). The fact that Bradley has climbed so fast is a strong testament to him.

                4 Chances in the draft will always be better than none.

                Reply
              • John Murray

                12 years ago

                Then again, 5 of the projected starting position players for the Sox are homegrown, as are three of their starting five.

                Reply
          • John Murray

            12 years ago

            Go ahead, sign him. Keep wasting your time and money on things you don’t need, and keep avoiding the biggest problem you have – pitching. And after 3 championships in the last 10 years, we’ve got a lot less to pout about than the Evil Empire. We’ll happily congratulate you on winning the postseason anyway – it worked out just great for the 2013 Blue Jays and 2012 Marlins.

            Reply
  20. Stoibs

    12 years ago

    This is where a good general manager gets creative. Cashman needs to start looking around in other systems. Couple examples:
    Greg Garcia (Cardinals)- Garcia is now blocked at 2B and ss. Always put up solid numbers, but is power limited.
    Mookie Betts (Red Sox)- Tough to trade in division, but Betts is blocked by pedroia for years. Betts is still in the low minors so he it would take time for him to move through the system.
    Johnny Giavotella (Royals)- Fallen out of favor with the Royals. Continues to put up very good numbers in AAA. Blocked now by Infante.
    As far as the outfield goes, I say just see if someone will take on Wells at league minimum. They are only paying like 2 million for him this year anyway, so just open up the roster spot. That leaves them with Ellsbury, Ichiro, Gardner, and Soriano. Plenty of at bats to go around with that group.

    Reply
    • ikkf

      12 years ago

      Very good ideas, but I don’t have any faith in Cashman being creative. He seems incapable of doing anything but making moves that add to the payroll.

      Reply
  21. snapcase8p

    12 years ago

    The rumor linking him to the Tigers was the stupidest and least thought through rumor of the season. Makes absolutely no sense for the Tigers to trade AJax for him.

    Reply
  22. The_Unnatural

    12 years ago

    Not trading Gardner doesn’t make sense if they don’t plan on extending him. The Yankees have almost no chance at making the postseason. Right now fangraphs has projected the lowly Mariners finishing with 3 more wins than the Yankees.

    Reply
    • bernbabybern

      12 years ago

      The offseason isn’t over yet.

      Reply
    • Wek

      12 years ago

      You seriously believe the Mariner will finish 3 wins above the Yankees? Cano is an impact player but he’s not going to give you 17 extra wins.

      Reply
    • pft2

      12 years ago

      They have a chance to make the playoffs, but they have to throw the 189’ers like Levine out the door. They have to sign Drew and Tanaka, and a Benoit or Balfour to compete. That will add another 40 million to a 200 million payroll and blow 189 out of the water. They will be at 213 million w/o Arod and pay a 12 million tax. 12 million is chump change for the Yankees who have averaged over 20 million in luxury tax for over a decade.

      Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        12 years ago

        They do not need to sign either Benoit or Balfour, especially if they can trade Ichiro to the Phillies for Papelbon. If A-Rod is out next year, they can get under 189 and still have a very good team, especially if they sign Drew and Tanaka.

        Reply
      • Guest 3943

        12 years ago

        You have no idea what you are talking about.

        Reply
      • Erich Dobson

        12 years ago

        You have no idea what you are talking about. The Yankees will not be over 189

        Reply
  23. AzDbackfan66

    12 years ago

    Any chance of soriano trying to play 2B?

    Reply
    • bernbabybern

      12 years ago

      About as much chance as CC playing CF.

      Reply
  24. bernbabybern

    12 years ago

    Good, their outfield is not “crowded”, unless you view 37 and 38 year old Beltran and Soriano as full time outfielders. They shouldn’t be, they should split time at RF/DH. DH does not have to be and probably shouldn’t be reserved for Jeter or McCann, they can have full days off. One is old and coming off an injury, the other is a middle aged catcher.

    They absolutely should keep Gardner.

    Reply
    • pft2

      12 years ago

      If they keep Gardner, Soriano plays LF against LHP’ers when Gardner is benched, and Soriano shares the DH spot with Jeter and McCann against RHP’ers.

      They need more pitching more than they need another OF’er. Gardner only has 1 yr left with the Yankees anyways. They can trade him and then resign him as a FA for next year when Soriano, Wells and Ichiro are gone.

      Not many OF’ers on the FA market the next 2 years, and the farm system is bare, so if they keep him they should extend him.

      Reply
      • bernbabybern

        12 years ago

        Gardner isn’t benched vs lhp.

        They don’t need to trade Gardner to get pitching, they can just sign Tanaka.

        When you DH Jeter you essentially end up with Ryan as your DH, which should never happen.

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          12 years ago

          But that is exactly what is going to happen. Do you honestly think that Derek Jeter is going to play 162 games at shortstop next year? Would you prefer to have Nunez play shortstop against lefties? I think that they gain far more from Ryan’s glove than they do from Nunez’s bat.

          The Yankees do not have to have All-Stars at every spot in the batting order. Even with Kelly Johnson at 2B, the Yankees should have a formidable lineup next year as long as players like Beltran, Ellsbury, Jeter, and Texeira remain healthy. If they don’t, it won’t matter who is playing shortstop.

          Reply
          • bernbabybern

            12 years ago

            I just said Jeter should get full days off.

            Reply
    • Erich Dobson

      12 years ago

      Wells and Ichiro make it crowded.

      Reply
      • bernbabybern

        12 years ago

        One will be lucky to make the bench, the other should be traded or released. I’m not even counting them.

        Reply
  25. pft2

    12 years ago

    Yankees are over 200 million with Arods salary. Not sure what numbers Levine is using, and it’s sad they are still talking the 189 game since they still have a lot of holes to fill to be competitive. Good news for the Red Sox though, every team in the East looks to be under an 85 W team, and most teams got a bit weaker this offseason (esp if the Rays trade Price).

    Reply
    • Erich Dobson

      12 years ago

      WRONG!! Yankees are only at $172 right now with ARods salary.

      Reply
      • GreenMonsta

        12 years ago

        172? Sorry you’re the one incorrect. I have them at 198.2, that’s if the last 7 on the roster play for league min. 172 mil is what’s due 13 players with signed contracts. Does not include Arb eligible, medical insurance or 7 roster spots not yet filled.

        Reply
        • Erich Dobson

          12 years ago

          Your projection is accurate assuming they make no more changes. But they have already said they are not done making moves. They will trim fat and get in striking distance so that the ARod 8 – 25 Mil refund keeps them right around that $189. My original comment was more about the belief that
          they’ve blown past it with no chance of reaching their goal.

          Reply
          • GreenMonsta

            12 years ago

            You’ve made several beneficial assumptions without affording any the other way. For one, I seriously doubt they’ll fill out the last seven roster spots for league min., (500,000), when they have such important needs left (SP, RP, 2B, etc). Also, you fail to leave any amount for moves later due to injuries, poor play, etc, at trading deadline. Lastly, no way the Yankees will save 25mil for Arod. That is wishful thinking that exists only in NY tabloids and talk radio. IMO they have past the threshold with no chance to get below.

            Reply
            • Erich Dobson

              12 years ago

              I agree he doesn’t get an entire year suspension. Most likely 50 – 60 games.

              Reply
              • GreenMonsta

                12 years ago

                I agree, peg between 60-80, but it may not be served in ’13. It depends on how long ARod appeals in the courts.

                There is one scenario in which the Yankees get under cap threshold. But, its if they play lousy in first half and do salary dumps for 2nd half to lower the total payroll (akin to Red Sox ’12 season). It would not be a bad strategy. Just a painfully patient one.

                Reply
                • Erich Dobson

                  12 years ago

                  I agree. He’s got n respect for the game and loves any attention… I can see this dragging on for a long time.

                  Reply
    • John Murray

      12 years ago

      Its not going to get any easier if they don’t get under this year. As of this minute, they have $122M committed for BOTH 2015 and 2016 to A-Rod, Ellsbury, Beltran, CC, Tex and McCann. If they don’t get under in 2014, they pay 50% for every dollar spent over the threshold, and it looks near impossible they’ll be able to do it in either of the following seasons, meaning they get no LT reset, and a 50% tax in each of those seasons too. It sure looks to me that Ellsbury was an unwise, impulse signing that will cost the Yankees MUCH more than just the $153 million they owe him. He better perform at a space age level.

      Reply
  26. Mikenmn

    12 years ago

    They can cut Wells any time they want. He’s dead money and demonstrably worse than replacement value. Keeping Gardner is the right thing, unless they are offered something of real value. The can decide next year whether to make him a QO. They still have holes, but until A-Rod gets resolved, they might be better off waiting.

    Reply
    • Erich Dobson

      12 years ago

      Best statement so far in this thread.

      Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      12 years ago

      If the Yankees are able to trade Ichiro, Vernon Wells is the only outfielder on the team with a right fielder’s arm when Beltran gets a day off or is the DH. At a cost of $2MM for 2014, he is probably one of the better 4th or 5th OFs in the game.

      Reply
  27. Mike Gallagher

    12 years ago

    Their outfield really isn’t crowded. They have Gardner, a guy who’s all but guaranteed to get injured in Ellsbury, an old guy who is going to need time at DH and is defensively limited in Beltran, a DH who can occasionally play some left in Soriano, and two maggot infested corpses in Ichiro and Wells. They very much need Gardner or things will get very messy.

    Reply
  28. KnowledgeDivine

    12 years ago

    First off Ichiro was robbed of BA points due to lineup change he is a darn Lead off hitter .When batting in Lead off his numbers were pretty good and his K’s were lower than Gardner. So yes a team in need of a Still good defensive OF and a Lead off hitter may do well in Ichiro. it is his contract that is the issue

    Reply
  29. chris german

    12 years ago

    They will keep Gardner and then not resign him at the end of the season. Having two speedy guys is not bad, I’m not sure what everyone is upset about, speed on the basepaths is something that opposing pitchers aren’t used to seeing from the Yankees and can be used to compensate for the lack of power since Cano and Granderson are gone. Besides, why can we have 3-4 power hitters but only one guy who can steal?

    Btw, why is Randy Levine getting involved in baseball operations? He’s a lawyer, not a baseball guy. I thought Levine was the president, not the GM…

    Reply
    • Reggie Smith

      12 years ago

      I think you’re missing the point. No one is questioning whether Gardner could help the ’14 Yankees. Of course he can. The question is why sign Beltran, if not with the intention of moving Gardner. They need 2SP, 2RP, 2B and Util, and can’t afford much more in FA. So the logical place to recoup this thru trades. And, since Wells, Ichiro and Soriano would return next to nothing, the only player left is Gardner.

      They have far too many OFers and money tied up in them. They need to make a move and Gardner would seem to be the logical player. Unless someone wants Ichiro’s .297OBP/.639OPS to be their leadoff hitter for them for 6.5mil.

      Reply
      • John Murray

        12 years ago

        You hit the nail right on the head. Although, I’m not sure who is going to surrender a decent starter for one year of Brett Gardner. On one side, getting two guys of character like Ellsbury and Beltran makes sense, but the immense question marks at every other place except for catcher makes one wonder what the plan is.

        Reply
  30. wakefield4life

    12 years ago

    “Absolutely no intention” means “We’re looking to trade Gardner now” in Yankee-speak.

    Reply
  31. tune-in for baseball

    12 years ago

    Tigers trade Portcello to the Yankees for Gardner and Robertson. A good ground ball starter with 2yrs of control for 1yr. of control for both Gardner and Robertson. Yankees get a #3 starting pitcher they need for $7-8 mill that will throw 175+ innings and get 13+ wins. He will be only 25 in 2014 and already has 61 Major League wins.

    Reply
  32. jed_hoyer

    12 years ago

    they’ll have 25 mill to spend, no way a-rod lay this year or ever, i

    Reply
  33. Joe Valenti

    12 years ago

    I wish I could go back in time and have the Mets not sign Young or Granderson and instead go after Gardner and Jon Jay. I’m sure Gardner and a prospect (Tommy Kanhle would have been a good fit before he was Rule 5 drafted) could be had for Murphy. I’m not sure what I would give up for Jay but I doubt it would be any significant pieces

    Reply
  34. BadBJay

    12 years ago

    So if you’re in the bottom of the ninth, two out, winning run on third base… who do you want at the plate? Ichiro or Gardner? I’d take Ichiro each time in 2014.

    Reply
  35. slider32

    12 years ago

    I would think the Yanks will sign another infielder, a starting pitcher, and a couple of relief pitchers by the end of the winter. Tanaka appears to be their first choice if posted, and more money will open up if A-Rod is suspended for the year. Free agent agents know this so it might hold up signings of some of the pitchers and Drew. Gardner was really the Yanks only player with any trade value , although Ichiro could be moved for a relief pitcher with some ability. I can see the Yanks jumping in on Garza if Tanaka doesn’t post and A-Rod is suspended. They could give up Phelps, Betances, and Murphy.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Mariners Looking For Corner Infield Bats; Ownership Willing To Bump Payroll

    Wander Franco Found Guilty Of Sexual Abuse

    Mariners Place Rowdy Tellez On Release Waivers

    Max Meyer To Undergo Season-Ending Hip Surgery

    Whit Merrifield Announces Retirement

    White Sox Sign Noah Syndergaard To Minor League Deal

    Corbin Carroll Placed On IL With Wrist Fracture

    Hoops Rumors Has The Latest On NBA Draft, Free Agency

    Mets Option Francisco Alvarez

    Reds To Promote Chase Burns For MLB Debut

    Recent

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Jorge Mateo To Miss 8 To 12 Weeks With Hamstring Strain

    Reds To Sign Buck Farmer To Minor League Deal

    Pirates Trade Hunter Stratton To Braves

    Rockies Designate Sam Hilliard For Assignment, Select Austin Nola

    Orioles Select Jacob Stallings, Designate Emmanuel Rivera For Assignment

    Rangers Select Billy McKinney, Transfer Tyler Mahle To 60-Day IL

    Marlins Claim Nick Nastrini

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Poll: What Will The Twins Do At The Deadline?

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version