Free-agent outfielder Brett Gardner is hopeful he can return to the New York Yankees in 2022, but his agent admits a move elsewhere is a possibility.
Agent Joe Bick acknowledged Gardner plans to suit up this season but told the New York Post's Joel Sherman via text that the 38-year-old "would obviously prefer to stay with the NYY the entirety of his career."
Gardner helped the Yankees to a World Series triumph in 2009. In 2021, the 14-year veteran hit .222/.327/.362 with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and four stolen bases in 140 games.
The one-time All-Star owns a .256/.342/.398 slash line with 1,470 hits, 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, and 274 stolen bases in 1,688 career contests.
New York projects to start Joey Gallo, Aaron Hicks, and Aaron Judge in the outfield in 2022. Hicks struggled with injuries in 2021, appearing in only 32 games before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. The Yankees also have Estevan Florial and Miguel Andujar on the bench and both are capable of playing in the outfield.
