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New York Yankees: 5 Potential Destinations For Brett Gardner

ByKenneth Teape|
Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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If the New York Yankees trade away Brett Gardner, here are five teams that could be interested in making a deal.

New York Yankees: 5 Potential Destinations For Brett Gardner
Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

TheNew York Yankeeshave continued their youth movement this offseason. At the MLB Trade Deadline the Yankees put their plan into place. Andre Miller,Aroldis Chapman,Carlos BeltranandIvan Novawere all traded away by August 1st. They didn’t stop there, as the Yankees also traded veteran catcherBrian McCannto the Houston Astros this week.

This may only be the beginning for the Yankees trading this offseason. They have already said that they are willing to listen to trades for third basemanChase Headley. In addition to Headley, the Yankees could entertain the idea of trading outfielderBrett Gardner.

Gardner was someone the Yankees shopped for a while last offseason as they tried to clear the logjam they have in the outfield. Clearing either Gardner orJacoby Ellsburyfrom the roster would be nice, but it is easier said than done. Both have similar playing styles making them difficult to fit into the same lineup.

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But, the contract that Ellsbury has makes him virtually impossible to trade. Gardner is thought to have a very favorable contract, as he is set to make either $25 million or $35.5 million the next three years depending on his 2019 club option. That makes him a valuable trade piece, but at 33-years old we are already seeing some diminishing skills.

Despite getting up there in age, Gardner would still be a useful player for many teams if the Yankees do end up trading him away. He is a solid leadoff hitter and plays solid defense in left field with a WAR of at least 2.4 the last four seasons according to FanGraphs.

Those are qualities many teams would like to add to their roster this season. Here are five teams that could look to acquire Gardner this offseason.

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