Brett Gardner Net Worth 2025: Yankees Career, Team Loyalty & Life Beyond the Ballpark

Brett Gardner is a name that Yankees fans know well. As a loyal player who spent his entire MLB career with the New York Yankees, Gardner became known for his speed, defensive skills, and leadership on and off the field.

With such a long and respected career, many fans are curious about how much is Brett Gardner’s net worth. Let’s take a closer look at how he earned his money and what contributed to his success in professional baseball.

What is Brett Gardner’s Net Worth?

Brett Gardner is an American former professional baseball outfielder with an estimated net worth of $25 Million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Most of his money comes from his long and steady baseball career. He played 14 seasons with the Yankees. Over that time he signed multiple contracts that helped him build his fortune. His biggest deal was a four-year contract worth $52 million signed in 2014.

By the time he retired from the MLB, Brett had earned more than $70 million in salary alone. That does not include bonuses and other earnings from brand partnerships or postseason appearances. Though he wasn’t a flashy player, his consistent performance made him a valuable part of the Yankees lineup.

Brett Gardner’s Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Brett Gardner was born on August 24, 1983, in Holly Hill, South Carolina. He grew up in a baseball family. His father, Jerry Gardner, played in the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league system. This gave Brett a head start in learning the game.

Brett wasn’t a top high school player. He wasn’t heavily recruited. Instead, he joined the College of Charleston as a walk-on player. Despite this, he worked hard and made a name for himself.

Brett Gardner’s High School and College Baseball Career

Gardner went to Holly Hill Academy in South Carolina. He played baseball for the school’s team and also for St. George Post 105 in American Legion Baseball.

In 2001, Gardner tried out for the College of Charleston baseball team. He made the team and played as a starter for three years. In 2004, his junior year, he had a .397 batting average but wasn’t picked in the MLB draft. In 2005, his senior year, he hit .447, tied for the most hits in college baseball with 122 Hits, set a team record with 85 Runs, and led the Southern Conference with 38 Stolen Bases.

Brett Gardner’s Contracts and Career Earnings

Brett Gardner had a long career in baseball where he showed great value. He earned a near-minimum salary in the beginning. In 2010, he signed a $2.8 million contract that avoided arbitration. Then, in 2014, he signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Yankees that kept him with the team until 2018.

In 2019, the Yankees used a $12.5 million option for Gardner. After his contract ended, he signed another one-year deal for $12.5 million for the 2020 season. His last contract came in 2021 when he signed for $4 million for his final year.

Throughout his career, Gardner earned around $90 million. Even though this is a lot of money, it was less than what many players of his talent earned. Gardner was known for signing team-friendly deals. He cared more about staying with the Yankees than making the most money, which is rare for players today.

Brett Gardner’s MLB Career with the Yankees

Brett Gardner was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2005 MLB draft, selected 109th overall in the third round. He received a $210,000 signing bonus. Gardner started his career in the minor leagues, playing for teams like the Tampa Yankees and Trenton Thunder. He quickly became known for his speed, leading the Florida State League in stolen bases in 2006.

In 2008, Gardner made his MLB debut with the Yankees, playing in 42 games. He struggled early but became a key player, especially in the 2009 season when the Yankees won the World Series. Gardner was named the starting center fielder and later became an important part of the team’s success.

By 2010, Gardner was a standout player, winning the Fielding Bible Award as the best defensive left fielder in the MLB. He stole 47 bases and led the league in pitches per plate appearance. Gardner had surgery in December 2010 for wrist issues but was ready for the next season. In 2011, he led the American League in stolen bases with 49 and won his second Fielding Bible Award.

Gardner’s 2012 season was limited due to an elbow injury, but he returned in September. In 2013, he moved to center field after an injury to Curtis Granderson. He had a career highlight when he hit a walk-off home run against the Detroit Tigers, and he finished the season strong with a .273 batting average, eight home runs, and 24 stolen bases.

In 2014, Gardner agreed to a four-year, $52 million extension with the Yankees. He had a strong season, hitting a career-high 17 home runs and 58 RBI. Despite an injury in September, he finished the year as one of the team’s top players.

Brett Gardner was named AL Player of the Week in June 2015. He was also one of five candidates for the All-Star Final Vote but was removed after being chosen to replace an injured Alex Gordon. Despite a strong start to the 2015 season, Gardner struggled in the second half, finishing with a .259 average, 16 home runs, and 20 stolen bases.

In 2016, Gardner had a solid season, hitting .261 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs. He also won a Gold Glove for his defense in left field. The following year, in 2017, he had some exciting moments, including two home runs in a game against the Orioles and a career milestone with his 1,000th hit. Gardner helped the Yankees reach the playoffs that year with 21 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

Gardner faced more challenges in 2018 but still played in 140 games due to injuries to other players like Jacoby Ellsbury. His batting average dropped to .236, but he finished the season with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs. After the season, the Yankees declined his $12.5 million option but re-signed him for $7.5 million for 2019.

In 2019, Gardner had a big season, hitting his 100th career home run and finishing with a career-high 28 home runs and 74 RBIs. He also finished third in Gold Glove voting. In 2020, with fewer games due to the shortened season, Gardner struggled, hitting .223 with five home runs and 15 RBIs.

By 2021, Gardner was still with the Yankees, playing in 140 games and hitting .222 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs. He was the last member of the 2009 World Series team. After the season, the Yankees did not renew his contract, and Gardner became a free agent. He received a $6 million offer from the Toronto Blue Jays but preferred returning to the Yankees.

Brett Gardner’s Family Life and Personal Tragedy

Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, have two sons. Sadly, their younger son, Miller, passed away from a sudden illness on March 21, 2025, at just 14 years old.

Brett and his family live in Holly Hill, South Carolina, during the offseason. His father, Jerry Gardner, used to play in the minors for the Phillies and now owns a large 2,600-acre farm in Holly Hill. Brett grew up on this farm with his father, Jerry, his mother, Faye, and his older brother, Glen.

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