The New York Yankees have declined the options on veteran long-time outfielder Brett Gardner and starting pitcher J.A Happ.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Yankees declined the $17 million club option on Happ, and it did not come with a buyout figure, which allows the veteran lefty to hit free agency.
Happ, 38, struggled mightily in 2019 before pitching a bit better in 2020. However, his inconsistency didn’t justify keeping him on the roster, especially at the cost of the option.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees declined their $10 million option on Gardner, who will receive a $2.5 million buyout.
While the Yankees are indeed interested in bringing him back, they will be looking to do so at a much cheaper cost.
Gardner, 37, the longest-tenured Yankee, has been with the organization since the Yankees drafted him back in 2005. dEspite a strong 2019 season, Gardner saw a steep decline at the plate, and defensively in 2020.
