Once again, the New York Yankees stare down the Brett Gardner barrel as free agency looms in the coming months. After injuries in the outfield took hold during the 2021 season, the Yankees were forced to utilize Gardner far more than anticipated. In fact, they were likely happy offering him a new contract for two seasons. The deal paid him $2.85 million in adjusted salary with a player option in 2022 at $2.3 million.
It was interesting to see general manager Brian Cashman give Gardner the choice of sticking with the team next season or retiring.