Report: Gardner declines opportunity with Braves, $6M offer from Jays
Report: Gardner declines opportunity with Braves, $6M offer from Jays
Michael Bradburn
2yr ago
Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Free-agent outfielder Brett Gardner is still unsigned one month into the season, but it seems the former All-Star isn’t willing to sign with just any team.
Gardner rejected a one-year, $6-million contract from the Toronto Blue Jays, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
More recently, the Atlanta Braves checked in on Gardner, and he declined to pursue an opportunity with the reigning World Series champs, added Rosenthal. The Braves are reportedly seeking outfield depth after losing NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario to eye surgery.
Gardner, a veteran of 14 seasons, has never played for an MLB team other than the New York Yankees. Since the beginning of 2018, the former Gold Glove winner has posted a .256/.342/.398 line with 139 homers and 274 steals over 1,688 games.
The 38-year-old will likely hold out for an opportunity with the Yankees or retire, per Rosenthal.
The first-place Yankees sit atop the major leagues with 23 wins. Their outfield is collectively posting a 133 wRC+, which ranks fourth in baseball, according to FanGraphs. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton lead the group with a combined 20 homers.
