Yankees rumors: 3 realistic trade candidates who must be dealt

1. Brett Gardner

This one hurts for Yankees fans, but all good things come to an end. There’s a scenario where Brett Gardner stays and plays out the remainder of his farewell season with the Yankees. But the best move for both the club and Gardner could be giving him a hero’s welcome as he returns to the Bronx in a different uniform later this season, specifically one of a contender.

Gardner is in the final year of his contract with the Yankees and it’s unlikely that they’ll be a new one this offseason that brings him back. With Gardner likely gone in the winter, the Yankees could move him to a contender looking for outfield and hitting depth while getting back more than they would if he walks in the offseason.

One possible destination could see Gardner keeping pinstripes but wearing them for the White Sox rather than the Yankees. Tony La Russa feels like the type of old school manager who would love what Gardner brings to his clubhouse, and the White Sox are in need of depth all over the lineup as players continue to drop like flies with injuries. Adding Gardner helps the White Sox now, but it would also give them an absolutely loaded lineup of talent and veteran presence for the postseason when the likes of Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert return in October.

That’s what Yankees fans should be rooting for. Goodbyes are always impossibly hard, especially with a fan favorite like Gardner. With the team in the tank, however, sending him to a contender where he can make an impact on a World Series journey is the type of farewell gift he deserves.