Could Longest Serving Yankee Be Done in NY?

The final remaining link to the last New York Yankees World Series champion could be on his way out of the Bronx. The Yankees declined the $7.15M option on outfielder Brett Gardner, and Gardner declined his $2.3M option. He is now a free agent. 

Brett Gardner lingered after the Wild Card loss to the Red Sox, leaving his uniform on for about an extra hour. Was that his final time wearing it? https://t.co/Lg8z2vXOxM

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 5, 2021

Despite his advanced age (38) and dwindling production, Gardner played 140 games in the Yankee outfield in 2021. But this shouldn't come as a surprise. He's seemed to come into each of the last few seasons as the 4th outfielder, but always managed to work his way into far more considerable play than expected, due to the annual array of injuries in the Yankees outfield. 

Despite a relatively strong finish to the season, this year marked his lowest batting average (.222) and lowest OPS (.689) since becoming a Yankee regular in that fateful 2009 season.

Nevertheless, both the Yankees and Gardner are open to a return. If it doesn't happen, is there a possibility, after 16 years in the Yankee organization that he would accept a deal to play elsewhere? It seems doubtful, but stranger things have happened. 

Photo Credit:  Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports