Brett Gardner’s contract with the Yankees is no different from Justin Turner’s with the Dodgers. Industry expectations remain that both free agents remain in position. But both continue to remain on the market as spring training approaches, creating the possibility that such offers may not work in the end.
Turner, 36, has been looking for a contract for at least three years. The Brewers and probably another team or two seem willing to give it up. The Dodgers have almost certainly preferred Turner for up to two years, but they still haven’t taken their third base position or replaced their right-handed power, effectively leaving the light on for him to return.
Gardner, 37, is in a tighter place. Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Clint Frazier are the Yankees field teams. Giancarlo Stanton will be DH, and Mike Tauchman can take on the role of Gardner as a left-hander hitting the bench. On Saturday, the Yankees added Jay …