The Yankees made official what SNY's Andy Martino confirmed last month, announcing that they have signed outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year deal with a club option for 2021. Martino reported in December that the deal is worth $12.5 million, with the 2021 club option set for $10 million.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Gardner, LHP Stephen Tarpley was designated for assignment.
Aaron Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery in September, so Gardner figures to be the team's starting center fielder when the season gets underway.
It's a similar role to what Gardner played last season, as Hicks battled a litany of injuries and appeared in just 59 games. Gardner, meanwhile, had one of the best seasons of his 12-year MLB career, while seeing time in both center and left field.
The 36-year-old set career highs in home runs (28), RBI (74) and slugging percentage (.503), while swiping 10 bases and playing in 141 games in 2019. It was the seventh straight season that Gardner has appeared in at least 140 games.
A third-round draft pick of the Yankees in 2005, the organization is the only one Gardner has ever known. Following CC Sabathia's retirement, he's the lone remaining member of the 2009 World Series team.
"The thing with Gardy," manager Aaron Boone said in December. "I know he's getting up there in age, he's still super athletic, still a great two-way player, a great defender coming off a great offensive season. And then so valuable in the clubhouse and one of our true leaders, one of our true heartbeats in the clubhouse."
