USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner (11) is greeted after hitting a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner (11) is greeted after hitting a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
For the last 13 years, Brett Gardner has been a household name in the New York Yankees roster. In fact, he was the only player on the Yankees’ 2021 roster who was on the 2009 World Series winning team, the last time they won the Fall Classic.
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After 13 years with the Yankees however, the 38-year-old is a free agent. This led to mixed reactions among Yankees fans, who saw one of their most loyal players exit the organization for the first time since 2008.
Fans react to long-time Yankee Brett Gardner becoming a free agent
Gardner made quite an impact since his MLB debut in 2008. In his second season with the Yankees, he won the World Series when the team, led by 14-time All-Star Derek Jeter, beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. That was the last time the Yankees won the world series, as they saw another quest fail this season with a loss in the AL Wildcard game to the Boston Red Sox.
While he stayed loyal to the Yankees, his decision to decline the player option shocked many. With the Yankees not extending the club option either, Gardner’s future with the Yankees is uncertain for the first time since joining them in 2018.
Earlier today, OF Brett Gardner declined his player option, and the Yankees declined his club option. He is now a free agent.
Additionally, RHP Darren O’Day declined his player option, and the Yankees declined his club option. He is now a free agent.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 5, 2021
This led to fans expressing their reactions on Twitter. While some expressed their disappointment at seeing Gardner become a free agent, others expressed surprise relief to see him leave.
Good. No more Brett Gardner
Now find a way to trade away Aaron Hicks somewhere.#Yankees https://t.co/PvZOsexfrY
— World’s #375th Yankee fan (@ArmchairBrain) November 5, 2021
When I heard Brett Gardner declined his player option with the Yankees… pic.twitter.com/nHUFgbcGuH
— SoundsAboutRoc (@SoundsAboutRoc) November 5, 2021
Earlier today, the Yankees declined to improve their team, and I declined to renew my season tickets. I am now a free agent.
— KimLizDuff28 (@Duff28Kim) November 5, 2021
On Brett Gardner pic.twitter.com/fD6hLlgsAm
— CeeGeebigtymer (@ceegizzle101) November 5, 2021
Buster Posey has left 22 million on the table while at the top of his game. Brett Gardner please take notes and your 1.5 million and your bottom production and ride off into the sunset. Thank you. PS: Yes, Buster Posey is HOF material, and investing is a no-brainer.
— Cardboard Glory & Collectibles (@CardboardGlory) November 5, 2021
GOOD RIDDANCE
— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) November 5, 2021
Did not expect Gardner to decline, wow.
— 🐢 Kellen Moore/KJ Osborn SZN (@SKOLYanks) November 5, 2021
I mean Brett Gardner did have a better year than @AaronBoone but you still bring that sack of 💩 back…makes sense. pic.twitter.com/MQ3r8osYVy
— Danny (@bigdnav11) November 5, 2021
#BrettGardner deserves respect. He works hard, steals bases, never caused drama. He’s always been humble & gracious. I’d rather see him go to another team where he is appreciated & respected rather than stay on the @Yankees roster. Be well, BG! ⚾️🙏⚾️
— Kate Monto (@KMontoPronto) November 5, 2021
It's difficult to imagine Gardner not wearing the pinstripes. Truly a player to be missed on the field and in the clubhouse.
— Willie D. (@WillieDFleming) November 5, 2021
Brett Gardner should retire as a Yankee, he has been there for us for years the @Yankees need to be there for him. Show the man the respect he deserves.
— Urban NINJA Fu (@ChrisCalvi) November 5, 2021
READ MORE: New York Yankees Fans Fiercely Pick Sides as Gerrit Cole- Brett Gardner Feud Drama Unfolds
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Could Gardner rejoin with the New York Yankees next year?
During the 2021 season, Gardner scored 47 runs, of which 10 were home runs and 39 RBI. Along with hitting, the southpaw also produced excellent fielding performances which make him an interesting free agent for next season.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) is tagged out at home by Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) trying to score on a ground ball during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Yankees could still offer him a new contract and keep the long-time Yankee on the roster. However, with several teams looking to strengthen their roster with an experienced hitter, Gardner could fit the bill.
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In addition, the 38-year-old rejecting the player option in his contract adds intrigue in terms of what he believes is his future. Will he move to another team? Will he retire as a loyal Yankee? Or will he re-sign for the 27-time World Series champions under new terms? Only time will tell.
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