Yankees Should Certainly Bring Brett Gardner Back in 2020

The New York Yankees have a myriad of outfielders now and moving forward, which makes you believe that veteran Brett Gardner, who is free agent after the season, won't be back in the Bronx once this season concludes.

It may make sense for Cashman to move on from the longest-tenured Yankee on the roster, but he needs to be retained.

The #Yankees have a tough decision looming over the next few months regarding Brett Gardner. https://t.co/SFIsBnHz61
— Pinstripe Alley (@pinstripealley) August 29, 2019

Even though Gardner is 36 years old, he's put together arguably his best season in recent memory, slashing .251/.330/.480 with 18 home runs and 54 RBI. Maybe those numbers don't jump off the page at you like Aaron Judge or peak Giancarlo Stanton, but he's a steady presence and someone who can hit anywhere in the lineup, which he's done in 2019.

Brett Gardner has his highest OPS+ since 2013. Unreal season and what a bargain for a mere $7.5 million.
— Yankeesource (@YankeeSource) August 28, 2019

On top of a sneaky-good offensive season, Gardner is durable and an outfielder who can play left or center field. Even if he's brought back as a fourth outfielder, it would pay huge dividends for this Yankee team.

The biggest reason why he should be brought back: Gardner is a leader on this team. He's always cheering on the young guys, and he'll rally the troops by banging on the top of the dugout with his bat, literally.

Winning teams need glue guys if they want to win big, and at this stage of his career, Gardner is that and more. He's a Yankee through and through, and because he's still a productive player, he should be back in the pinstripes for 2020.