Yankees Finally Announce Official Re-Signing of Brett Gardner
It's official. The New York Yankees announced on Saturday that they have re-signed longtime outfielder Brett Gardner for a 13th season with the club.
While Gardner's return was initially reported almost a full month ago, the team made his signing official on Saturday afternoon, designating LHP Stephen Tarpley for assignment in order to make room on the roster for the veteran outfielder.
The Yankees announced today that they have re-signed OF Brett Gardner to a one-year contract for the 2020 season, with a club option for 2021. To make room on the 40-man roster, LHP Stephen Tarpley was designated for assignment.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) January 11, 2020
With Gardner officially back in pinstripes once again in 2020, he can extend his reign as the longest tenured member of the Bronx Bombers. While the 36-year-old is no longer the speed demon he once was, his power numbers have steadily improved with old age, as he is coming off of a career-high 28 dingers in 2019.
A consistent piece of the Yankees throughout the early-to-mid 2010s, Gardner will serve as a veteran leader for this team hankering to return to the World Series.
From the Yankees’ release on Brett Gardner: "He is one of only 10 players to play for the same team in each of the last 12 seasons […] He would be the 19th Yankee to play for the club in at least 13 consecutive seasons.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) January 11, 2020
While it certainly took the Yankees' brass a long time to finally get a deal done with their veteran outfielder, fans can now rest easy as the 36 year-old Gardner is officially locked in for 2020.