text: 2021 On February 23, 2021, Gardner signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Yankees, which included an option for 2022. Despite once again starting the season as a projected fourth outfielder, due to injuries to Aaron Hicks, Gardner played in 140 games and hit .222 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. On November 4, the option for 2022 was not exercised, making Gardner a free agent. He was the final member of the 2009 World Series team remaining on the team.
  Free agency
  Gardner was not signed by any team prior to the start of the 2022 season.  In October 2022 a  New Jersey paper reported that he had received a $6M offer from the Toronto Blue Jays but preferred to have returned to the Yankees.
  Player profile
  Gardner's main strength was his speed. He was best known for stealing bases and being very disciplined at the plate. In 2010 and 2014, Gardner saw more pitches per at-bat than any other player in the American League.
  Personal life
  Brett and his wife, Jessica, have two sons together. In the offseason, the Gardners reside in Holly Hill, South Carolina.
  His father, Jerry Gardner, who played in the minors for the Phillies, owns a  farm in Holly Hill. Brett was raised on the farm by Jerry and his mother, Faye, with his older brother, Glen.