The Yankees are nearing a full month into the 2022 season, and Brett Gardner remains at home.
The door on a Gardner return never seemed to fully close, as the Yanks continued to go back to that well in recent years, but with Tim Locastro providing outfield depth and Giancarlo Stanton seeing more time in the field, it looks like there isn’t a spot for the 38-year-old to return for his 15th season in pinstripes.
If that’s the case, it likely means the end of Gardner’s career.
According to Jon Heyman, Gardner “had opportunities to play elsewhere” this season, but the veteran outfielder only wants to be a Yankee. So, if the Bombers don’t have an interest in bringing him back for another year, Gardner likely won’t be playing anywhere in 2022.
The Blue Jays were a team listed as a potential team with interest in Gardner, and Gardner’s agent said earlier this month that his client was staying in shape in case his services were needed, but according to Heyman, he is only staying ready for the Yankees, where he was the longest tenured player last year, as the Yanks navigate through their first season without Gardner since 2007.
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