NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Yankees are continuing to receive offers for outfielder Brett Gardner, though general manager Brian Cashman said that nothing has moved the needle thus far toward a potential trade.
"He's here not because I can't move him; he's here because I'm not comfortable moving him, or haven't been satisfied in my asks that would make me move him," Cashman said. "You're going through the process, and you see if that changes. So far to this point, I've said no to a lot of different concepts thrown my way on it."
Gardner, 33, was recently honored with his first career Rawlings Gold Glove Award, coming off a season in which he posted a .261/.351/.362 slash line with seven home runs, 41 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 148 games.
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A homegrown Yankee, Gardner is a lifetime .264 hitter in nine Major League seasons. His combination of production, speed and an affordable contract has been enticing to other clubs, as he is due $26 million over the next two seasons.
Three years ago at the Winter Meetings, the Yankees turned down a proposal from the Reds that would have fitted infielder Brandon Phillips for pinstripes, and Cashman indicated that a level of interest in Gardner has not subsided.
"He's a hard player to move because he's on an exceptional contract, he's extremely consistent, he's as tough as they come and he's a great clubhouse guy," Cashman said. "I've been asked about him for a number of years now in the wintertime and in the summertime."
The Yankees have prioritized signing free-agent closer Aroldis Chapman, though they are maintaining dialogue with closer Kenley Jansen as well. Cashman said that he is entertaining a number of trade proposals, some of which have likely included Gardner.
"I'd say it's been a combination," Cashman said. "The free-agent stuff, you just have to stay close to it, because that can move fast. The trade stuff, there have just been certain teams that keep pursuing specific guys, so that's been hot. There have been a couple different dynamics that have developed. Whether they lead anywhere or not, we'll see."