The Yankees and Brett Gardner have already begun talks about a new contract, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets. A new arrangement between the two sides would bring Gardner back to the Bronx for at least a 13th season.
Gardner, 36, had a career year at the plate in 2019, hitting .251/.325/.503 with 28 home runs, 26 doubles, seven triples and 10 steals (in 12 attempts). The power surge should likely be taken with a grain of salt, thanks to the supercharged ball that led to record-setting home run levels throughout the league, but Gardner still demonstrated that there’s life left in his bat and once again displayed a quality approach at the plate (9.5 percent walk rate, 19.5 percent strikeout rate).
A reunion between the two sides has long looked plausible, but the recent revelation that Aaron Hicks will miss a substantial portion of the 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery only increased the likelihood of a new deal. With Hicks shelved and Jacoby Ellsbury more than two years removed from his last MLB appearance, the Yankees have a clear need in center field. The free-agent market features little in the way of enticing options at the position (beyond Gardner himself), and Gardner was motivated enough to stay in New York last winter that he took what amounted to a $3MM pay cut to return to do so. Given all that context, it’s hardly a surprise to see the two sides proactively begin negotiations.
Gardner isn’t the burner that he once was on the basepaths and in the outfield, but he still remains a quality defender that is capable of handling center field work. He logged 820 innings in center in 2019, plus another 348 in left field, drawing positive marks for his glovework on the whole (+5 Defensive Runs Saved, +3.0 Ultimate Zone Rating, +2 Outs Above Average).
Gardner checked in at No. 32 on MLBTR’s Top 50 free agent rankings this week. As noted within, Gardner’s outstanding season and the thin market for center fielders could seemingly combine to get him a two-year deal elsewhere, but a one-year pact — and a raise on this year’s $7MM salary — to return to the Yankees seems likeliest.
As currently constructed, the Yankees have roughly $158.5MM committed to 10 players for the 2020 season. Add in another $35.9MM of projected arbitration salaries (via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz) for another 10 players plus a handful of pre-arbitration players to round out the roster, and the Yankees are looking at a payroll around $198MM before making any additions. They’re already at or over the luxury line as it is — luxury payroll, unlike actual payroll, is calculated based on contracts’ average annual value and also includes money for player benefits — though that doesn’t seem likely to be a major roadblock with regard to Gardner.
YES! Another freebie in the Free Agent contest.
I think we all knew it was going to be yankees or retirement. I dont think he would have gone anywhere else even though i would have loved to have him on the other new york team. We have not had a good centerfielder in quite sometime.
More freebies just make it more difficult to produce a true winner. More freebies make it more likely for there to be ties
@andrewgauldin
what’s a freebie in this case?
If Gardner signs before the last day we can edit our predictions for the contest.
Let me get my popcorn and beer ready for these comments 🙂
Cue Louie singing the blues and blowing snot bubbles in 3…2…
Could you include a (stop banging your bat) clause?
It’s annoying
Oh good Popeye is back for another yr.
Charlie Brown grew up
Just more of an example that Frazier has no future in New York
I agree and I would wager that his value isn’t the greatest right now. I can see Cashman trading for a younger solid back of the rotation type of pitcher on a low money deal for Frazier.
I don’t see how the gardner signing and Frazier have anything really to with each other. Brett Gardner is still a serviceable CF, which they need given Hicks being out for the beginning of the season and perpetual injury risk. Frazier can’t play CF well enough to warrant not signing Gardner. I think the outfield right now is Judge (RF), Gardner (CF), Stanton/Tauchman (LF) with Frazier probably starting in the minors. Now, if they sign another OF option when one of those guys goes down, than I think you have a problem. I think Tauchman earned a shot at the starting job and without Gardner the Yankees have no reasonable player for CF.
@JDGoat
Why would you suggest that? With Hicks on the IL for most or all of 2020 then Gardner figures to play CF. Judge will be in RF. Stanton likely to be the everyday DH and maybe he’ll see some action in RF/LF to rest someone. The door is wide open for Frazier or Tauchman to play LF. Gardner isn’t blocking anyone at the moment.
Stanton is going to play LF, and I bet the team gives Tauchman a chance at center considering what he did last season. His season wasn’t a fluke, he has real talent and saved even more runs than Gardy did
Stanton will break in LF. He shouldn’t be anything but a DH at this point. Dude’s made of glass.
@PinstripedPride
I don’t think putting your $325 mil player in LF is a good idea. Don’t see it happening. He looked out of place there the few times he played it.
This would be spot on…if Frazier played CF.
Excellent!
nice to see they are focused on adding pitching.
Right, because signing Gardner will prevent them from acquiring pitching.
Also, you should wait a little longer before you like your own comment. Too obvious.
umm okay lol. 2 likes in 20 minutes is liking your own comment? Got those burner accounts popping off
Relax im not clepto.
Man he’s racking up the likes. Jealousy is an ugly color by the way.
@badfinger made hella burner accounts
@thatdude07
You are absolutely spot on chap!! Yanks signing Gardner for 1 year and around $10 mil completely takes the Yanks out of the running for a SP. Yanks shouldn’t address any other needs at all until December or January if Boras drags this out like he usually does. So let’s sit back and let Boras dictate when Cash addresses all other needs.
They’ll either sign a Wacha or Teheran, or trade for someone similar. Cashman will go on sports radio using the last 3 off-seasons company line.
I’d offer Gardner the same deal as last year: 1 yr/$7.5M. If he turns it down I’d sign Cameron Maybin who in his own right put up pretty good numbers in his short time with the Yankees in 2019. I’m sure Maybin could be signed for less than Gardner.
@pinballwizard1969
Cam isn’t as good defensively as Gardner is in CF. Gardner had a better year than Maybin and is a lefty, something the Yanks are lacking with Hicks on the DL and Didi unsigned.
That being said I wouldn’t mind if they brought Maybin back as a 4th OF.
Sign him and now World Series again. I haven’t been wrong in 10 years
Yes, because as usual everything that goes wrong for their team is Gardner’s fault. He put a curse on the team this year, made all their players keep getting injured and made almost all of their bats except LeMahieu choke in key situation after key situation in the ALCS. I even heard he tipped off Altuve that that Chapman slider was coming in G6.
Despite your stupid fake BS, re-signing Brett Gardner will not be the reason if the Yankees don’t get to the World Series in 2020.
Hey 666-you are 100% correct. The only issue her is how to neutralize Beans from his incessant poles at Gardy. Beans is a legend in his own mind and has a hard on for Gardy. This is due to a comment that Mrs. Beans made to Little Louie about how She wishes that she had a real man like Gardy.
Oh, beans. Can I call you beans? Cool. I just want to thank you for your endless supply of inane, egotistical babble that keeps me coming back for more. You truly are the greatest show on this network. Keep up the laughable awfulness, my friend. Your fans needs you.
Gardy must retire a Yankee. Also last year proved he is not done. It’s obvious he has a leadership role with this young team.
I agree same deal as last year. If he turns it down, negotiate. We need a lefty bat and although maybin did well id guess they prefer brett
Can somebody look up Brett Gardner’s friends on Facebook? I want to know if he’s best friends with Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg. I see what the Yankees are doing now.
More like Hyun-Jin Ryu for the Yankees if Hal Steinbrenner opens up the pocket book.
old habits die hard
Pretty expected, but would be a good play for the Angels. He can give Trout a day off, cover right some times, play left late in games when we want Upton off the field.
We need a good, versatile player for 1 year while Adell gets ready for the bigs.
Is it pretty much a given that when Ellsbury’s contract is finally over, he’ll officially retire? I can’t for the life of me imagine him ever taking another MLB at bat…
I’m gonna say it one more time…the Yankees will miss the playoffs in 2020.
East standings 2020
1.Rays
2.Red Sox
3.Yankees tie
3. Blue Jays tie
4.Orioles
LOL so dopey
@Bocephus
Based off of??? Boston’s amazing SP? What has Tampa done to think they will surpass the Yanks who will likely return most of the key players and are more likely to land a big FA pitcher than the Rays? Not attaching you but you’re making some wild predictions and to say that in an article about Gardner begs a “wtf” from us all? Explain.
Blue Jays aren’t tying the Yankees in 2020 regardless of who Toronto acquires. Your stupid comment implies the Yankees will win 70-75 games.
You’re so funny, thank you for the laugh. Red Sox are going to lose at least one big-name player due to the payroll constraints, and you’re telling me they’re finishing top 2. Yeah, ok
Hey Bo-you need to slap your head to reset your brain. Or go to web me and research manic depression so you can get some meds
Red Sox have a greater chance of finishing 4th than the Yanks do of finishing 3rd, especially tied 3rd with the Jays. Let’s remember the Sox finished last three times this century.
What a waste of money. Gardner for a season for free is too much. A Gardner signing confirms Yankees commitment to not winning.
So an affordable one-year deal for a guy coming off a 3.6 fWAR season is a waste. How so?
@vtadave
I have yet to hear anyone give a valid reason why it would be a bad move. I ask, if not him then who and does it make sense to commit prospects since there aren’t any good options for FA CF. I have yet to hear any sound reason other than bringing up his post-season.
I think they should at least make a run at Starling Marte first. If Marte is NOT available for a reasonable trade and cash considerations if necessary then sign Gardy. If Marte IS available, look to use Hicks as a 4th OF until he re-established his value, then trade him. I’d like to see a stronger CF. The third option would be to acquire Marte (if possible) AND sign Gardner as the 4th option. Then expect to basically eat Hicks’ contract IF he comes back in 2020.
Yeah. 4.0 WAR seasons pretty much grow on trees.
@Woodlawn
Let’s see….Yanks lack lefty hitters and need an everyday CF. Please tell me why bringing Gardner back in any way is a bad thing?
Some of you act like little rhymes with witches. Why the hate on Gardner and why are ppl blaming him of all people for Yankee failures? Seems like you guys have a gripe over his personality. Here’s a fact.
Gardner was 5th among all LF in WAR. 6th among all CF. He hit 28 homers (more on the road than at home). Had a 9.5 BB rate and can play both CF and LF. Why would they not bringing him back for 1/$10? We need a CF? Gardner on a 1 year deal is better than trying to trade for Marte or signing any of the following:
Shogo Akiyama (32)
Aaron Altherr (29)
Peter Bourjos (33)
Keon Broxton (30)
Jarrod Dyson (35)
Brett Gardner (36)
Carlos Gomez (34)
Billy Hamilton (29)
Gorkys Hernandez (32)
Jon Jay (35)
Adam Jones (34)
Juan Lagares (31)
Leonys Martin (32)
Cameron Maybin (33)
Cesar Puello (29)
Charlie Tilson (27)
What the beef with Gardner? A poor post-season? Well what about the 162 games that need to be played to get there? I don’t get you guys. You use WAR and other stats to prop up guys but you hate on Gardner who was actually a good player last year.
Your points are well taken by why bring him back for MORE $$$ when he’s getting older? And let’s not forget, among all the accolades, that he SUCKED in the postseason. And Boone batted him 3rd and 4th. Yikes.
@Mo4ever
A contract hasn’t been signed yet and no numbers have been revealed so…..??? He’s 1 year older. If he flops then he won’t be brought back. But again….show me the better options please.
And it’s not his fault that he was batted 3rd or 4th, Last I remember, that’s Boone’s job.
“A contract hasn’t been signed yet and no numbers have been revealed”
I get that but you keep opening with 1/$10. I say open with 1/$7.5, maybe with some incentives. Shouldn’t be paying him for flopping.
“it’s not his fault that he was batted 3rd or 4th”
I know that was a dig at Boone who never should bat him there, but he does.
@Mo4ever
I believe he has a $2 mil buyout plus he had a career high in homers. Not a big deal. Why is this such an issue???
South beach, I’m scratching my head right along with you, man. The Gardner hate is, and always has been, utterly perplexing.
@srechter
Isn’t it odd? No one is proclaiming him to be a star. But he does the things you need him to do. It’s a 1 year deal probably for $10 mil. He’s a place holder at best. Next year’s FA crop is so much better with real star power (Betts, Springer and a few good ones like Brantley and Bradley Jr).
I like this move. I understand why some folks feel like this is a step back. But Hicks was supposed to be our starting CF, Frazier isn’t a CF and is such a defensive liability that his potent bat does not make up for it. Gardner is consistent even st his worst.
I hope it’s a 1 year/$10.5M pact with a token $5M buyout on a $14.5M option.
Guarantees he maintains that $12-13M AAV from his original contract and what the original 2019 option value was.
Or, 6 years/$75M guarantee.
It should be 1/$7.5MM with maybe some incentives. I don’t get why he should get a 50% raise, especially when he SUCKED when it counted most, in the postseason. He was supposed to lead, with all his veteran experience… For Chapman it was one pitch. For Gardy it was several games.
There are even worse players on the roster for the playoffs. One that everyone seems to tout as one of the best players and was considered untouchable and a cornerstone of the team. Yes the starting catcher Gary Sanchez and guess what there ARE better players in free agency out there. but no one is even thinking about cutting him / replacing him. Guess what he will be getting a huge raise from his first pass through arbitration. He plays a lot less than Brett and has topped 120 games one time in 4 years. (his career) yet no mention on how he cost them the game. Yes he is the one that calls the pitches that can make or break the game including the Chapman’s one pitch that broke the game.
Atleast with Gardner you know what you are getting as he has been a model of consistency even at this age when he was supposed to be a “4th or 5th” outfielder.
Gardy, good Lordy. Any contract offer will be too high … i would offer $25 a week and a one year gift certificate to Golden Corral. That should get it done.
You obviously have not watched a single Yankees game last season as far as his contributions to that 100+ win season to make that kind of inane comment….he may not be Trout, but he’s more than serviceable and with pitching the #1 goal in the offseason, there undoubtably be outfielders available early to mid year that the Yankees can employ if Gardy truly is done.
Outside of the Angels hiring Joe Maddon, this must be the most surprising news of the offseason………………………………………………HAHA!!!
It’s a no-brainer bringing back Gardner. Hicks is hurt and Stanton is unreliable as far as health is concerned. Tauchman is still unproven and Frazier, while definitely a big league hitter, is a hack in the OF. And please stop with the Maybin nonsense. Gardner is, and always has been, a better player.
Agreed with all except the comment about Stanton suddenly been brittle after 150+ game seasons in 2017 and 2018…last year was last year and hopefully that is behind him….the more he plays DH and not in the field, the more you will see an opportunity for injuries when he does play the field….he’s still relatively young!
Bruh you can’t cherry pick 2 years when talking about the injury problems Stanton has had for his career. It doesn’t in the slightest prove your point.
@PopeMarley
I think what he means is that he has had a recent history of injuries. In 2016 he had played about 110 games when he was hit in the jaw. Had he not, he likely would’ve had 150 games that year and 150 + games from 2016 thru 2018.
We’ll never know about 2016. The guy was right about Stanton about Stanton’s overall health though.
You including the year he took a pitch to the face? That’s not being brittle. That was the only other significant injury beyond last year. Get real. Get honest.
Bruh what are you talking about?
Stanton’s career….
2011-150 games
2012-123 games
2013-116 games
2014-145 games
2015-74 games
2016-119 games
2017-159 games
2018-158 games
2019-18 games
Of course I didn’t count 2010.
How can you differ with someone when they question his injury history? I suppose you feel Paxton isn’t a risk for extension.
I was looking at recent history. Typically you focus on a three year window.
The thing is, this year will tell the tale. If Boone is able and willing to pencil him for 140+ games, I think he will be fine going forward. He’s still young.
I thank Brett for his service but enough with this guy already…he’s a 5th outfielder at this stage. Yanks were lucky to get what he gave them last year but it’s time to move on…Tauchman needs to fill his role
4.0 WAR is 5th OFer? anyway, Hicks is hurt. Need someone to play CF. Gardner is an excellent option for a 4th OFer (the role he is coming back as)
in 16 post season series totaling 61 games and 184 PA:
BA- .196
he has 32 hits and 48 strikeouts
an ops.511
and a WPA (win probability added) of negative .97
Why do we need to resign him? to get to October? or to bat 3rd again in an ALCS?
Anything more a 3 million contract is irresponsible.
“Why do we need to resign him?”
I dont know if you remember but our entire OF was hurt last year, and Hicks is going to be out to start the year. 4.0 WAR bud. Postseason numbers arent everything either. David Freese has good postseason numbers, doesnt actually make him a good hitter though
so only him? there are no other outfielders available by FA or trade or in the farm?
Using your example to prove my point. If the Yankees signed david freese (who i would not want) instead of gardy, they won’t make the playoffs? They’ll do worse in October?
@fitsiqis65
So 162 games don’t matter. Why do the Dodgers bother to trot Kershaw out every year when he’s likely to fail in the post season? Stupid logic.
yup let’s compare brett gardner a “4th” outfielder to Kershaw. Exactly.
Once again you really get it.
@fitsiqis65
Yeah I do. Your beef with Gardner is that he doesn’t hit well in the post-season as if the 162 season to GET to the playoffs mean nothing.
Look, I’m tired of arguing logic with people. The guys numbers during the course of a season speak for themselves. You keep replying back but I’m still waiting for you to name some options that fit better than Gardner.
Good defense in both LF/RF. Left handed. Hits for power. Gives a little speed. Draws 10% walks. Can be had for 1/$10. Not to mention his value to the locker room. With other needs to address, trading for a Marte or signing a below average CF doesn’t make sense. Either the’s stats mean something or they don’t. Nuff said.
You say 1/$10 as if it’s nothing. Don’t give the guy a raise. He’s getting older, not younger. If you want to reward him for hitting more juiced ball HR’s, give him incentives…
@southbeachbully
“With other needs to address, trading for a Marte or signing a below average CF doesn’t make sense.”
Elsewhere you say a Gardy deal will not affect a Cole deal. But now you’re saying that a trade for Marte WILL affect a Cole deal? Is that what I’m hearing?
There are always other options sure, but is there somebody that already has a good rapport within the clubhouse thats willing to give a hometown discount and willing to take on a reserve role even when putting up 4.0 WAR? That will be hard pressed to find. Simply finding a player of his caliber at his price point is hard, nevermind the clubhouse presence/willingness to take reserve role factor
My example did not prove your point. You invest in good hitters, not simply players with good/bad postseason numbers. Postseason numbers are too finicky to accurately reflect the player they are. Look at ARod. Steroids or not, he put up the some of the best hitting numbers and was of the games best hitters. If after the 2008 season concluded you told me that Arod was a bad player because he stunk in the postseason you would have been wrong.
South beach, it’s a futile argument. You’re obviously, blatantly right, so who cares. Luckily the Yankees aren’t run by the people on these boards.
@snotboy300
What a joke you are. Top 6 in WAR among LF/CF and you’re saying he should be a 5th OF? You make no sense.
Ok let’s do the math Chapman 17 + Gardner 10 + Arb raises with where they’re payroll = no Cole or Strasburg.
Depends on if the team will use the second tax threshold as their barrier or the third. If it’s the third then there’s absolutely still room
Their payroll, as it stands right now, projects to be just shy of $200m without adding any new contracts to it. Extending Chapman for the 1 year had little affect on their payroll (he never became a free agent, so his salary was already being accounted for. If they do resign Gardner, it will have absolutely no bearing on whether they seriously pursue Cole or Strasburg. That pursuit will depend solely on if Hal Steinbrenner will go into the 2nd or 3rd tier of luxury tax for a year or not (he should for many reasons). They have $70m + coming off their payroll after this coming season; Tanaka, Ellsbury, Happ, Paxton, DJ and Gardner (if they resign him) and potentially Britton (he has an opt out after this coming season). You can’t lose 60% of your starting rotation in the same offseason… granted they may resign/extend Tanaka and/or Paxton, but signing Cole or Strasburg now relieves some of the pressure of having to replace 3/5 of your rotation next offseason, and gives them the legitimate ace they’ve been missing for quite some time now. Plus, they’re the damn Yankees. They bring in $600m + yearly, they can afford to pay the luxury tax penalties AND still make hundreds of millions of dollars yearly. I’m not saying they’re cheap, because their already high payroll proves otherwise… but I am saying the time is now to go out and bring that ace to the Bronx, like Cashman did in 2009 with CC.
@thegreatcerealfamine
Who’s saying they can’t or won’t go over the lux tax? You an have your opinion but STOP ACTING LIKE YOU KNOW THEIR INTENT!!
Yanks might take the 1 year hit and offset the salary when they have 5 or 6 guys they let walk.
You seem to know everything. Will they???
@Steven Chinwood
I know just as much as you do. That’s why have alerts set so I’m notified when something happens. Maybe we should just wait and see rather than blathering all of these dooms day scenarios. Yanks didn’t put Corbin’s money back into their pockets. They went out and signed Happ, Britton, Ottavino, DJ and others. We can all agree having Corbin would’ve been great. But at least they ended up using that money and more rather than not doing anything at all.
I’m not even defending Cash and Hal. I’m asking to look at the situation and not just the result.
And I wasn’t comparing Gardner to Kershaw but use common sense. Gardner was a HUGE reason why the Yanks stayed competitive when the Yanks literally had every other OF on the IL.
I’LL DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT TO !!!
@thegreatcerealfamine
Feel better bruh? Got that off your chest? Your nuts just dropped didn’t they.? Ohhh tough guy.
Back at you. Don’t keep it all to yourself this year let us lower echelon know when they get the contract finalized.
boomer roar! nice
Terrible choice of priorities by the Yankees. Focus on pitching improvements and then resign Gardner when their house is in order.
Gotta get this done now. Before any of the other 29 team either snag this gem or force us to overpay for him…..
.
2019 offseason Deja vu all over again. October 2020 just the same.
i just don’t get the rush to do this….. there are other younger better outfielders out there. Who is chasing gardy?
I happen to like him and appreciate what he has done over the years but honestly, if he is not a difference maker and no one else is bidding let him go for now. The only comp I can think of for him is maybe Todd Frazier. Cash wisely atoned for the his mistaken acquisition by letting him walk. Gardy should be no different.
Yeah, deja-vu all right, you were an idiot last year, an idiot now, and an idiot in October 2020 just the same.
@fitsiqis65
So tell us who are these younger better CF options you speak of? Gardner ranked 5th and 6th in WAR among CF/LF, hit 28 homers, played good defense and is a lefty.
You hate Gardner so much. Suggest other options that are better or cheaper. I’ll wait. It’s simply stupid to give up top prospects or pay a FA multi years when Hicks will return in 2021.
Where have you been since some of our predictions came true? Oh yea tossing off to Greg Birds bobble head.
@Steven Chinwood
Stay on topic bruh? I haven’t brought up Bird ever…
That was for Begamin.
What prediction? That the Yankees didnt win the series or that Houston was good? Only a real genius like you can make such a prediction for sure.
@fitsiqis65
You really don’t think Gardner would get offers from other teams? Have you see the FA options on the market? Why don’t you take the time and suggest who’s better and cheaper than Gardner.
we will never know since your boy cash is racing to get that sig on another gardy party contract. I mean at 36-7 he’s bound to better right?
I guess you are correct in all of baseball there is not one OF better or cheaper than gardy. Not one.
You need to read. I know i don’t type nonsensical falsely proven thesis like you do. However, I said I liked him. I also said either FA, within the system, or via trade.
Lastly once again – why the rush?
@fitsiqis65
Still waiting for you to tell me who these easy to obtain better options are for the Yanks to go after. Considering our farm is still rebounding from the trades and graduations and the fact that we DO need to address pitching, show me this better option that can be had or a 1 year $10 mil offer.
Again, waiting…Let me help you.
Left Fielders
Aaron Altherr (29)
Tyler Austin (28)
Peter Bourjos (33)
Melky Cabrera (35)
Corey Dickerson (31)
Brett Gardner (36)
Carlos Gomez (34)
Carlos Gonzalez (34)
Alex Gordon (36)
Curtis Granderson (39)
Gorkys Hernandez (32)
Jon Jay (35)
Matt Joyce (35)
Matt Kemp (35)
Cameron Maybin (33)
Brad Miller (30)
Marcell Ozuna (29)
Gerardo Parra (33)
Hunter Pence (37)
Jace Peterson (30)
Cesar Puello (29)
Blake Swihart (28)
Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (28)
Center Fielders
Shogo Akiyama (32)
Aaron Altherr (29)
Peter Bourjos (33)
Keon Broxton (30)
Jarrod Dyson (35)
Brett Gardner (36)
Carlos Gomez (34)
Billy Hamilton (29)
Gorkys Hernandez (32)
Jon Jay (35)
Adam Jones (34)
Juan Lagares (31)
Leonys Martin (32)
Cameron Maybin (33)
Cesar Puello (29)
Charlie Tilson (27
Sbb
Spam.
all this is, is a list of FA. I was clear to look at trades as well. Besides I really don’t give a hoot about the nonsense stats you throw, for every stat you throw, i can find 2 that suggest otherwise. How did Gardy’s WAR do in the postseason? what was that worth? well i guess it was better than the parrot.
so once again. In the last 10 years, despite outspending EVERYONE else on and off the field, the Brain Cashman led yanks have been to exactly 0 world series. or less than detriot, KC, the mets, rockies, etc……
I don’t dislike Gardy, but for the last time rushing to resign him makes me once again question why? who are the yanks bidding against? is cash the genius really so concerned that he is getting a better offer elsewhere? who is throwing coin at him that makes him leave the yankees?
maybe you are right and he makes a difference and we have a parade. I am betting as i have the past few years against that. (should the genius get the Ace and contact bats I switch my view). So far you have been proven incorrect. The Yankees were not good enough to win these past 3 years despite every single argument you have made.
in sum, every stat and argument and position you have made about how great the Yankees and cashman are have been proven false. Yanks are good, really good. Top 5, but not top 2 and not top 1.
once again, why sign gardy one week into FA????
Negotiations with Gardner will have no bearing on any pitching pursuits though. They also wouldn’t take any focus away from potential pitching improvements either. His potential contract also won’t preclude them from bringing in a starter. Fuethermore, it’s doubtful a Cole or Strasburg caliber pitcher is going to sign so soon into the offseason (unless they resign with their most recent team or get blown away by an insane offer).
Are you trying to think reasonably???
Thats not allowed here!!!
Pathetic replying to your own post.
+Steven
Yes, very pathetic to simply add on to a comment i made. Brilliant
@Begamin.. I know right, what a dumb concept… reasonable thinking haha! Unfortunately a lot of people that post here won’t think rationally before just blurting out nonsense, or just spewing hate towards the Yankees because, well they’re the Yankees. For every reasonably thinking poster here, there’s a handful of jokers posting. It is what it is though.
Why are we pretending that a team cannot multi-task/have multiple priorities? It will probably be a very easy and smooth process working Gardner and his agent. Cant say the same about Cole and Boras though. Either way, they can address multiple areas at once. Its not like its a one man operation and if that guy is busy the whole ship sinks…
@Begamin
It’s truly mind boggling to suggest they should wait until Cole or Stras to be signed before addressing other needs. Especially 1 year contracts. We are not the Pirates!!! If Cole or Stras sign this month they likely already had a destination in mind or are staying with their original team. If Boras is looking for the best contract then they likely won’t sign until late Dec/Jan/Feb
@southbeachbully
But why do they have to jump NOW? Gardy and his agent are not going to sign elsewhere without checking back with the Yanks to see if they will match or better the deal…
@Mo4ever
If Gardner is willing to comeback at a price Cash finds reasonable then why let him go into deep discussions and negotiations with other teams and allow them to run the price up, even if they are just doing it to raise the cost to the Yankees? Wouldn’t you agree that the Yanks are bound to get the better deal WITHOUT competition? And as the writer here said
“Gardner checked in at No. 32 on MLBTR’s Top 50 free agent rankings this week. As noted within, Gardner’s outstanding season and the thin market for center fielders could seemingly combine to get him a two-year deal elsewhere, but a one-year pact — and a raise on this year’s $7MM salary — to return to the Yankees seems likeliest.”.
And again, IF he signs elsewhere, who do we plug into CF in 2020? Still waiting for the alternatives?
Why bid against yourself?
The alternative: as I suggested elsewhere, check on Marte. Make a hard, quick push to do a trade. If he’s not legitimately for sale (“acquirable” for a sane trade in players and, ir necessary, some cash) and/or not for sale on an agreeable timetable, then sign Gardy. I really don’t believe anyone is going to drive Gardy’s price up beyond $10MM figure you’re offering.
@Mo4ever
How is that bidding against yourself? When a team gives a raise to pre-arb player it’s their way of saying thanks. This should not take up this much ink. It’s LIKELY to be a 1 year deal topped off at $10 imo. We don’t know yet, so chill.
@sbb
Still not a strong answer as to why not make a strong, quick effort on Marte. Then sign Gardy, if necessary. Marte is a stronger solution; also, I admit, I’m not strong on Hicks. I thought that deal was a mistake. I’d rather have Marte long term.
@Mo4ever
Because the Pirates aren’t giving him away, They passed on Andujar and Frazier so those guys won’t do it. The Yanks best prospects are likely pitchers (Garcia, Schmidt, Nelson, Gil and Contreras). Maybe OF Canaan Smith will be of interest but the point is it’ll cost us a couple of our top prospects. Why do that when you can sign Gardner to a 1 year deal for less than what Marte might make. I mean honestly, they can still trade for Marte if they want and have him in LF and Gardner in CF.
With Hicks on the IL, Didi a question mark as far as his return and Voit deserving to start at 1B and Stanton as the DH, Ford will likely be in AAA. So without Gardner, we have no lefty starters.
There is simply no downside to signing him now as long as it;s a 1 year deal for $10 mil range.
Signing Gardner to a 1 year deal leaves CF/LF open for possibilities in 2020 FA market when Springer, Betts, Brantley and Bradley Jr are all FA. Makes sense to wait until next season for a major expenditure on an OF or two.
@Mo4ever… Marte is good, I get that. He will make $11.5mil this coming season and has an option @ $12.5mil for next season, before becoming a free agent. Why trade prospects for him AND his salary when the Yankees would be better off possibly using those prospects to trade for a cost controlled starting pitcher? I don’t think it makes much sense to trade away prospects to add to their OF mix AND up their payroll commitments, not yet anyways. Resigning Gardner makes a ton of sense; he’ll be cheaper than Marte, he is a great clubhouse presence AND he can play in New York. Those are all known quantities with him. Is he going to hit 28 homers again this year? I highly doubt it… but if he plays the usual defense in lf AND cf, and gets on base like he has throughout his career and only for one more year, it totally makes sense as the smarter move to resign him than trade for another OF. The logjam in the Yankees’ outfield will start loosening up next year, as will the payroll “issues” and then maybe they can go after a different outfielder.
$8M- 1 year?
Serious question- it’s a ONE YEAR deal. Gardner had 4.4 WAR in 2019. Even with the ‘juiced’ ball he’s always been a pull/center power hitter who has flashed 20 HR power before. His defensive contributions are worth at least 2 WAR alone.
Why are so many folks acting like Gardner is worthless or bad at his job? He simply isn’t. His worst attribute is a league average batting average, which nerdy stat heads say no longer matters either way unless you’re contending for a batting title or a personal best etc.
At 4.4 WAR he’s worth $17.6M a year minimum on the open market and as much as $28.6M according to the various value per 1 WAR systems. (assuming 1 WAR = $4M to $6.5M)
None of this matters to those misguided folks. They’re stuck in the past as the game evolves. You currently have a wave of 30+ year olds running teams, managing, and coaching players and it endangers their world views.
He’s a 246 batter can’t hit lefty’s end of story.
dont tell SoBe………
Evidently nobody is allowed to have a conflicting opinion on these forums.
@thegreatcerealfamine
I have no issues with anyone having a conflicting opinion but it’s not an opinion that you’re putting out there.
-Yanks wont sign Cole or Stras
-Now that Gardner is signed that means the Yanks can’t afford Cole
-Why are they bringing back Gardner they wont even make the playoffs because of him..
Do any of those sound like lucid informed opinions or a whole lot of trolling. Miss me that.
@fitsiqis65
You don’t have to tell me anything. He had a.659 OPS vs lefties and had a .892 OPS vs righties. Never, ever, ever did I say he was perfect or an all-star. But you harp on that and ignore that he crushes righties. plays great defense in LF and CF, draws walks at a 10% rate and we have a need for a lefty bat that can hit RH pitching and someone to play CF while Hicks is out. So either his numbers mean something or no one’s numbers mean anything. He’s a cheap 1/$10 place holder until someone better is on the market and it makes sense.
But again, ranked 5th and 6th among all comps in WAR.
And I’m still waiting for these better options that won’t cost us good prospects or a muli-year deal worth tens of millions. I wonder why I’m not seeing you cough up these better suggestions.
Nothing cheap about 1/$10MM.
@Mo4ever
For the Marlins and Pirates, maybe.
What’s Nelson Cruz making? What will Encarnacion make? There are a lot of people earning $8-$12MM that would cause people to at least pause before throwing $10MM at Gardy at 37.
@Mo4ever
Are any of those guys options to play CF? No..so what’s your point???
Fair enough. I still say you start by offering him what he made this year. The guy’s not getting younger and his 2019 HR’s and OPS were greatly influenced by the juiced ball.
South beach, I’m honestly geeking watching you up and down these boards refuting the nonsense people keep spitting out.
@Mo4ever
Ok…so if everyone was playing with the same juiced ball then everyone’s homerun total must be inflated too. Or is it only the bad players that had the bump? Then Marte’s homers are they legit or naw? But Gardner is more than just a guy who hits homers.
I’m still waiting for all those panning the resign to fork over those easy to obtain cheaper options ya’ll keep churping about.
@srechter
Thanks. Not even trying to fight anyone I just don’t get how illogical some of them can be.
Which is still a more positive comment than what LouieBeans spews consistently..
I’m not even joking when I ask this… what really happened with Ellsbury? Did they bash his knee with a bat? How can he be on the DL for a whole year? What is the official diagnosis? Is it possible they are doing insurance fraud? I recall he wanted to play last season then he was just shut down and forgotten…
It’s seriously remarkable that such a high-profile, well-compensated player on the most visible franchise in the sport has somehow hidden from the press for two straight years.
Exactly. It’s like he dropped off the face of the earth. He is clearly not in the plans – I get it. But it’s like they don’t even expect him to show up at Spring Traning.
OK. I’ll bite and wildly speculate that there is some sort of mental well-being issues he’s been dealing with. The entire Yankees’ org has been very protective (or mum) regarding his status. Cashman does occasionally say that he’s been working out at their FL complex yet there hasn’t been a photo of him (he’s probably in Fiji).
Insurance fraud is a stretch while I feel medical confidentiality is in play here.
@jekporkins… The problem with Ellsbury is that he’s made of papier-mâché haha.. Ok seriously though, he had surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip, was also rehabbing some sort of shoulder issue and then a problem with his plantar fascia popped up while rehabbing his hip labrum as well. As soon as he starts making progress with any of his ailments, he always seems to have a setback (or something else entirely pop up). Kind of sad really.
Yanks should definitely sign Gardner but to play CF until Hicks is healthy and more importantly, commit Stanton to DH but if I’m the Yanks, I’m offering Yasiel Puig a one year deal to see if he can re-ignite his career.
Its interesting that joel sherman has a piece on the Mets needing a real CF this upcoming season and focuses on the defensive liabilities of those who covered CF last year for the mets. He notes in the article using whatever Stat suited his need that the mets CF ranked 26th in MLB defensive measures this past season. The article is titles Mets’ center field fixes. I think gardy is a CF, no? and based on so many of you here, an excellent value (affordable, efficient, a club house and culture hero, and a WAR that will make one wet their pants)
Yet he lists 5 guys the mets should target. The great Brett Gardner is not on the list. i don’t get it, Jackie Bradley is there. But no Gardner???? How can that be? The names he does mention would require the Mets to pay player assets and coin, but Gardy costs just coin.
hmmmmmm- I suppose Sherman doesn’t know what the hell he is talking about then.
I think it’s assumed that Gardner only wants to resign with Yankees. The Mets would have to blow him away with a multi-year deal and that isn’t something any team will offer. Sherman writes quantity over quality but usually isnt wrong with his speculation and sources.
Send Gardy on his way or offer him a job as first base coach, platoon Maybin and Kaufman
in center, move Judge to left-he can handle it and put Stanton back in his natural position ,right field , make the necessary adjustments if and when Hicks returns
sign Sir Di Di ,and move him to 3rd , Torres goes to short, JD goes back to second,his regular position, and platoon Voight and ford at first,Andujar is the Dh, Ursella gives them
a day the a day off when needed , but above all don’t sign Gardy unless he becomes a late inning pinch runner and as far as pitching goes sign an ace or two who can go 7 inning and give the great bullpen a much needed rest and as far as San chez goes , hes the catcher, so get him a real personal trainer,thats all folks
Oh yeah its Dj ,not JD ,and one more thing, re sign Romaine, he ‘s the best defensive back up around,
Gardner filled in timely when the whole outfield was injured last season.