Once again, Brett Gardner heads into an offseason wondering what the Yankees’ plans might be and whether he’ll be back in The Bronx for a 13th season.
The Yankees have a full outfield, with Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton. And they have potential reserves in Mike Tauchman and Clint Frazier. For good measure, Jacoby Ellsbury also remains on the roster and under contract, but he hasn’t appeared in a game in two years.
So where does that leave Gardner, who is 36 and coming off a terrific season after a rough 2018?
He still would like it to be with the team that drafted him in 2005.
“I want to continue playing,” Gardner said this week outside Yankee Stadium. “Physically and mentally I feel great. My family wants me to keep playing. Hopefully, that’s here.”
Unlike last year, when he was coming off arguably his worst season, Gardner showed he could still contribute.
In a season when the Yankees were ravaged by injuries, Gardner played 141 games. Only DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres appeared in more. He also hit a career-high 28 homers, trailing only Torres and Gary Sanchez.
“I’m just happy I stayed healthy for the most part,’’ Gardner said. “It was just a tough year for injuries for the team.”
Gardner’s production was vital to a team that sent 30 players to the injured list. They acquired Cameron Maybin, who was toiling in the minors with Cleveland, in April and were forced to play Tyler Wade, Thairo Estrada and Gio Urshela in the outfield at times.
Last year, Gardner took a pay cut to remain with the Yankees. Whether they decide to bring him back or go with a cheaper option, like Tauchman, remains to be seen.
“I’ve always been open about wanting to play my whole career here,’’ Gardner said. “I hope I get the opportunity to do that. It’s been a good run and hopefully it keeps going. Either way, they have a bright future here and a great young core.”