As New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone awaits the end of a Game 5 rain delay, he had some time to reminisce on the season, and in particular his regret with Brett Gardner.
Gardner is not a member of this Yankees team, though some can argue he ought to be.
Brian Cashman and Boone never brought Gardner back into the fold after last season. Outfield depth had been an issue leading up to the trade deadline, but that has since been answered to some extent by trading for Harrison Bader. Bader has performed admirably in the playoffs, and has three home runs.
But Gardner played a vital role in the chemistry of this Yankees team. He was a trusted veteran in the clubhouse, even if his bat wasn’t as capable as it used to be.
Yankees: Aaron Boone regrets lack of contact with Brett Gardner
Boone and Gardner go way back, so even if it were just to check in, some form of contact surely would’ve been appreciated by the 39-year-old.
“I guess he was always in play,” Boone said, per NJ.com. “The offseason was weird obviously because of the lockout and I couldn’t talk to people. And then all of a sudden, it broke and free agency and everything happened so quick.”
Boone was asked about those comments again on Monday night and he expressed regret with how the entire situation played out.
“Unfortunately, I have not talked to Gardy in a while. It’s one of my regrets this year, because I owe that to him,” Boone said, per Bryan Hoch.
Gardner’s productivity at the plate faded the last two seasons. He slashed just .223/.354/.392 in the shortened 2020 season, and followed that up with a .222/.327/.362 slash line in 2021. That wasn’t good enough to warrant much playing time.
Gardner hoped to be back with the Yankees in 2022, but that hasn’t come to fruition.
