Outfielder Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees have agreed to a contract that adds $52 million in guaranteed money from 2015-18. The deal includes a team option for 2019 that if exercised would make the new money $62.5 million over five seasons. “It shows the level of confidence, belief and trust, and the type of player and person he is,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “We’re excited to know that he’s going to be a part of this team going forward. We’re a better team with ‘Gardy’ on it, that’s the bottom line. This is a good day for him, and we believe it makes the future for us better.” Gardner, 30, who hit .273 last year with eight home runs, 52 RBIs and 24 stolen bases, agreed last month to a $5.6 million, one-year deal and would have been eligible for free agency after 2014. - AP