Report: Yankees, Mariners have discussed Gardner

The Seattle Mariners search for outfield help has reached the Bronx.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has identified acquiring a speedy, top defensive outfielder as a priority this offseason, and has had discussions with the New York Yankees surrounding Brett Gardner, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Gardner, a first-time All-Star in 2015, hit .259/.343/.399 with 16 home runs, 26 doubles, and 20 stolen bases. The 32-year-old is owed $37.5 million over the next three years with a team option in 2019, and could slide into left or center field for a Mariners team who are devoid of outfield talent and ranked in the bottom third in the league in stolen bases last year.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already stated he's open to anything this offseason and with a high payroll and an ageing core, he'll need to be creative.

The Yankees are reportedly looking for high-end starting pitching that is under team control, such as Seattle left-hander James Paxton.

On the job a little under two months, Dipoto has already pulled the trigger on a six-player deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring right-hander Nathan Karns.

Pitching is an area of strength for the Mariners, who already have five potential starters and are hoping to bring back Hisashi Iwakuma after extending a qualifying offer to the right-hander last week.