Why Brett Gardner Should Be the New Face of the Yankees

During Derek Jeter‘s career, he was the undisputed face of the New York Yankees. He was “The Captain," he was a leader and he was a respected player around baseball. But with Jeter retiring, the Yankees need someone to represent the team. That player should be Brett Gardner.

He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Yankees. Gardner did exhibit leadership qualities while Jeter was out for the 2013 season and did so again even with Jeter on the team last year. 

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The New York Yankees produced the third worst offense in the American League last season, but Brett Gardner was not a part of the problem, at least not until August. Gardner enjoyed one of his better overall statistical seasons in the Bronx and solidified his place atop the Yankees batting order with an amazing first four months. 

This season Gardner, who's signed through 2018 and coming off abdominal surgery, will start the year in left and likely lead off. Last year he popped 17 home runs while his average dropped nearly 20 points from 2013. Will the power surge continue? Sure, the Yankees will take 17 home runs again, but if he can steal bases like its 2011 and get on base at a higher rate than last year (.327 on-base percentage, a career-low), well, the home runs can shrink in the name of more production elsewhere.

A .265/.340/.415 line with 50+ extra-base hits is not out of the range of possibilities given a full season of plate appearances. There is still plenty of upside in Gardner’s abilities at the plate. Gardner’s importance to the lineup cannot be understated. The Yankees offensive success starts at the top with Gardner leading the way. Further, much like Ellsbury, Gardner might need to be at the top of his game for an entire season to make up for the possibility that the aging middle of the lineup cannot turn things around as hoped.

Homegrown players have an obvious financial impact on a baseball team, and successful player development is surely the easiest way to build a roster without having to enter the murky waters of free agency. But beyond all that, homegrown players who stick around build common ground with the fan base. They create an easy connection. They spark loyalty.

Christine O'Connor