Brett Gardner’s contractual stalemate with the Yankees doesn’t look like Justin Turner’s with the Dodgers. The expectation within the industry is maintained that the two free agents will remain. But both continue to linger in the market as spring training approaches, creating the possibility that these deals won’t work out after all.
Turner, 36, is looking for at least a three-year contract. The brewers, and maybe another team or two, seem willing to give it a go. The Dodgers almost certainly prefer Turner for no more than two years, but they have yet to occupy their position at third base or replace their right-wing 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’ outfielders. Giancarlo Stanton will be the DH, and Mike Tauchman could play Gardner as a left-back on the bench. On Saturday, the Yankees added Jay …