Brett Gardner’s contractual impasse with the Yankees is no different from that of Justin Turner with the Dodgers. The expectation remains within the industry that both will remain free agencies. Both remain on the market as spring training approaches, creating the possibility that such transactions will not succeed.
Turner, 36, is seeking at least a three-year contract. The Brewers, and maybe another team or two, seem willing to give it to him. The Dodgers almost certainly do not prefer Turner for more than two years, but have yet to fill his third-base position or replace his right-hand man, so he lets the light go on to return.
Gardner, 37, is in a tighter spot. Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Clint Frazier are the forwards of the Yankees. Giancarlo Stanton will be the DH, and Mike Tauchman could fill Gardner’s role as a left-handed fielder off the bench. On Saturday, the Yankees added Jay …