Let Brett Bang: Yankees Bring Back Brett Gardner On A One Year Deal
.
And there it is. Every other Yankees deal was in a holding pattern until the organization knew where Gerrit Cole was signing. It's all they were focussed on. Now that they have their prized pitcher, the Yankees can shift their attention to other matters. Locking up Brett Gardner for 2020 seemed like a formality at this point, especially with Hicks needing Tommy John and being sidelined for half of the upcoming season.
I see some people saying Gardner got too much money. First of all, why are we caring about money again? Gerrit Cole is signed. It's over. He's a Yankee. Who the fuck cares how much they give Brett Gardner? Second of all, he deserves it. Brett is coming off of a career year where he hit .251/.325/.503 and a career high .829 OPS with 28 homers and 74 RBIs. He still plays incredible defense and covers center field at Yankee Stadium better than just about anybody. Some might say that Mike Tauchman has deserved the uptick in playing time over Gardner and is cheaper, but you don't know for sure if that will continue in 2020. Gardner is that safety blanket. Tauchman will play a big role in 2020, but you need Gardner there as well.
Another huge factor for Gardy is what he brings to that clubhouse. 2020 will see the Yankees lose CC Sabathia and Didi Gregorius. Those are two huge voices to the players on the team you can't replace overnight. You can't afford to lose three of those guys and just hope team chemistry doesn't get fucked by it. Every single one of those players listen to Brett Gardner. He's the veteran voice everyone can go to when they need it most. He is invaluable in that department. He's also the ultimate baseball hardo and I need another year of that.
Plus maybe we'll get some more Gardy banging. Let Brett Bang.
P.S. If the Yankees get Josh Hader, who they are rumored to be very interested in via trade, then it's actually game over. Add him to the bullpen while adding Gerrit Cole to the rotation. Say good night.