The New York Yankees have reportedly discussed re-signing veteran outfielder Brett Gardner, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:

Gardner had arguably his finest season in pinstripes in 2019, slashing .251/.325/.503 with 28 homers and a 115 wRC+ value, according to FanGraphs. He was also one of the few players–especially in the outfield–to remain healthy for a good chunk of the season.

The 36-year-old has been with the Yankees ever since he arrived in the Bronx as a rookie in 2008. A continued partnership always seemed fairly likely, but now it seems all but certain.

Fellow Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery following New York's ALCS defeat, and he could very well miss all of the 2020 season. Given that Cameron Maybin is also free agent, the Yankees need to sign at least one (if not both) of their incumbents in order to shore up their depth.

Not to mention, there are serious durability concerns especially with respect to Giancarlo Stanton. The 2017 NL MVP played in just 18 games during the regular season before suffering a right quad strain that forced him to miss three games during the ALCS.

Aaron Judge has also suffered injuries, and the Yankees would prefer not to have to dig too deep into the well once again this season. Thus, signing Gardner makes sense.

Sure, Gardner is not the same kind of base-stealer or defender as he once was, but he can string together quality at-bats and provide slugging anywhere in the lineup.

Expect the two sides to reach an agreement prior to the start of Winter Meetings.