The Yankees retained one of their own this past week in outfielder Brett Gardner.

SNY's Andy Martino confirmed that Gardner signed a one-year deal worth $12.5 million to remain in pinstripes. Gardner, 36, also has a club option attached to the contract for the 2021 season.

Gardner has spent 12 seasons with the Yankees. Lucky number 13 will see the outfielder enter a Yankees locker room which includes a manager in Aaron Boone who will be welcoming him back with open arms.

On Tuesday, Boone called retaining Gardner more than big.

"Huge," Boone told NJ Advance Media. "The thing with Gardy, I know he's getting up there in age, he's still super athletic, still a great two-way player, a great defender coming off a great offensive season. And then so valuable in the clubhouse and one of our true leaders, one of our true heartbeats in the clubhouse."

Earlier this offseason Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn't want to "compromise" his efforts at re-signing Gardner, in regard to discussing the length of a contract for an aging player. But the GM did say he wanted Gardner back.

"We've known how good Gardy has been and is for a long time. ... We'd love to have that continue," Cashman said in November.

Gardner's 2019 season was highlighted by a career-high in homers with 28 while slashing .251/.325/.503 in 141 games.

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