Gardner was moved into the Yankees' leadoff spot midseason after traditionally hitting behind Jacoby Ellsbury during Ellsbury's tenure as a Yankee. On April 23, Gardner hit a walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. Gardner's on-base percentage in 2016 was .351, his highest in a full season since 2010, and his 70 walks were his most since that same season. However, his .713 OPS was tied with 2011 for his lowest career mark in a full season. For the 2016 season, Gardner hit .261 with 7 home runs, 41 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. His home run and RBI count were the lowest in a full season since 2011, while he recorded the lowest stolen base count of his career in a full season. He won the Gold Glove Award for American League left fielders.