On Wednesday, the Yankees announced that the club declined outfielder Brett Gardner‘s 2019 club option for $12.5 million. Instead, the club re-signed him to a new one-year deal. Per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the new contract is for $7.5 million.
Gardner, 35, just completed the worst offensive season of his career, batting .236/.322/.368 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI, 95 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases in 609 plate appearances. He still played above-average defense.
Based on the Yankees’ current roster construction, Gardner will return as the starting left fielder next season with Aaron Hicks in center, Aaron Judge in right, and Giancarlo Stanton at DH.