Currently the longest tenured New York Yankee, Brett Gardner has been the unsung hero for the Yankees as a disciplined defensive asset throughout his career. His impressive leadership intangibles and consistency on the field have allowed Gardner to reap the benefits of being apart of one of the most iconic teams in any sport. Currently in his tenth year with the Yankees, Gardner’s unique skill set has been vital in helping his team be competitive in a contentious AL East division and his wealth of experience has been essential in mentoring some of the younger players on the team. Given what Gardner has accomplished as a respected Yankee, the question remains of how much is the veteran outfielder actually worth?
Brett Gardner’s Net Worth as of 2017: $25 Million
How did the beloved sports icon get there? And how have his accomplishments with the Yankees elevated his worth to these impressive heights? Let’s find out.
2008-2014
NEW YORK – JULY 05: Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees hits a run scoring sacfrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox on July 5, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won the game 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
By the end of June 2008, Gardner was called up by the Yankees to play in the outfield. While Gardner spent most of rookie season transitioning between the major and minor leagues, his adeptness as a base stealer (13 stolen bases in 42 games) and defender (1.3 defensive WAR) would ultimately garner him more playing time the following season.
After beating out Melky Cabrera in Spring Training to be the Yankees starting centerfielder for the 2009 season, Gardner proved to be an essential defensive piece in the outfield. Although Gardner never put up eye-popping scoring numbers, his solid batting average (.270) coupled with his ability to get on base (.345 OBP) made him a worthy member of a well-rounded Yankees squad. During the Yankees World Series run, Gardner appeared in all but one of the Yankees post season games.
2010 was a breakout year for Gardner in terms of flashing his strategic speed on the base pads while consistently getting on base. In 150 games, Gardner stole 47 bases while posting an impressive on base percentage of .383 (both career highs). Gardner would also go on to win the Fielding Bible Award, an honor that is bestowed upon the best defensive outfielder in the majors.
Given how effective Gardner was at getting on base the previous year, the Yankees saw it fit to allow the patient hitter to hit leadoff for the team in 2011. While his batting average and on base percentage suffered a bit because of the batting order promotion (.259 and .345 respectively), Gardner was still able to make the most of his opportunities on the base pads as he tied Coco Crisp in the AL in stolen bases with 49. Once again, Gardner won another Fielding Bible Award, proving his defensive capabilities were amongst the best in the majors.
Before the start of the 2012 season, Gardner and the Yankees agreed to $2.8 million contract for the season, avoiding arbitration. Due to an elbow injury he sustained early in the season, Gardner played in only 16 games for the Yankees.
Coming off an injury plagued season in 2012, Gardner came back to the Yankees in 2013 determined to prove his worth to the organization for the long haul. While Gardner’s return to his dominant defensive form was impressive, he also was a reliable contributor at the plate as well (.273 BA and 52 RBI’s, the latter a career high).
As result of his resurgent performance the previous season, the Yankees decided to award Gardner for his accomplishments as they signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract extension. While Gardner continued to be the Yankees best defensive player, he was forced to alter his approach at the plate due to an aggravating elbow injury. Rather than hit to simply get on base, Gardner became an aggressive power hitter and was able to hit 17 home runs to go along with 58 RBI’s, both career highs.
He reportedly earned $5.6 million in 2014.
2015-Present
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees catches fly ball to center field hits a by Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros in the second inning during the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 6, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
For Gardner, the 2015 season started out as one of his best, which quickly turned into one of his worst. During the first half of the season, Garner had an elite batting average of .302, which was more than enough for him to earn a place on the 2015 All-Star team, his first All-Star selection. However, the second half for Gardner proved to be immensely frustrating as he hit a lowly .206 at the plate and went 0-4 in the Yankees Wild Card loss. Still, Gardner’s newly established power presence at the plate allowed him to knock in 66 RBI’s while slugging 16 home runs on the season.
While Gardner was till somewhat inconsistent at the plate during the 2016 season, he made a concerted effort to get on base while continuing to play superb defense in the outfield. He raised his on base percentage to .351 (highest in a season since 2010) and his 70 walks were his most since 2010 as well. Gardner’s defensive contributions were particularly noteworthy as he won his first Gold Glove Award for his proficient abilities as a defender in the outfield.
The 2017 season for Gardner has been one to remember for the veteran outfielder thus far. In 95 games, Gardner has already hit 18 home runs (career high) to go along with 46 RBI’s. Although Gardner’s agility on the base pads is not what it once was, the fact that he can still find ways to get on base (.353 OBP) is a testament to Gardner’s strong work ethic and patience at the plate.
Although Gardner may not have the offensive flash or legendary abilities of some Hall-Of-Fame Yankees, his mature attitude and unique capabilities on defense should still be respected and appreciated. While the likes of Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge have taken the majority of the limelight due to their prolific abilities as aggressive hitters, Gardner’s balanced approach to the game has still been vital in helping the Yankees stay competitive.
He reportedly earned $12 million in 2017.
