Report: Yankees 'Optimistic' On Brett Gardner, Focusing On Gerrit Cole And Stephen Strasburg

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Brett Gardner could be making a return to the Yankees for his 13th season in the Bronx.

Nothing has materialized yet, but WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman previously reported that the team wanted to bring back the long-time outfielder for another year. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the team is still “optimistic” about Gardner, even though a deal hasn’t been agreed.

Martino adds that the Yankees are waiting on Gardner as they are currently focused on the “big fish” free agents: Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.

It’s tough to see New York having too many rivals in trying to sign Gardner. He's spent his entire career the Yankees and likely wouldn't want that to change at this point of his career. Meanwhile, Brian Cashman likely has a plethora of other franchise vying to win over Cole or Strasburg. Gardner doesn’t have to be a priority at the moment.

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He’s 36-years-old, but Gardner still put up impressive numbers in pinstripes in 2019. He managed a career-high 28 home runs while also hitting .251 with 74 RBIs. As teammates went down all around him with injuries, Gardner stepped up after it initially seemed like his role on the team might not be a big one.

Cole or Strasburg would be significant additions to the Yankees' pitching staff. Last year's team fell short partially because their starting pitchers couldn't match up with those of the Astros when they really needed to in the ALCS.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the team met with both Cole and Strasburg on Wednesday. Andy Pettitte was at both meetings working with Yankees executives to convince the aces to join.

It’s unclear whether the Yankees will have enough to get one of Cole or Strasburg to come to New York, but they should have enough to bring back Gardner when the time comes.