New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner signed a four-year contract extension worth $52 million. The new deal begins after the 2014 season.
The deal that keeps Gardner,30, in a Yankees uniform through the 2018 season includes a fifth year option for 2019 of $12.5 million. According to cbssports the deal averages about $12 million a season with a $2 million signing bonus.
With Gardner’s speed and overall talent he is worth the money. Last season Gardner batted .273 with 33 doubles and a league best 10 triples. As this is Derek Jeter’s last season the Yankees are looking to keep the top of their order strong and fast.
Gardner is very excited about the deal and about staying in New York. According to GMANews Gardner said, “I don't want to be anywhere else. There's no better place to play baseball than in New York…”
The Yankees are set in the outfield for the next three seasons as Jacoby Ellsbury is signed through 2020 and Carlos Beltran through 2016.