New York Yankees: Three trade destinations for Miguel Andujar
The New York Yankees need to decide if Miguel Andujar will be a part of their future. If not, he could be a hot commodity on the trade block.
At this time last year, the New York Yankees had to have thought that they had their long term answer at third bae. Miguel Andujar had finished as the runner up in the AL Rookie of the Year vote, producing a solid .297/.328/.527 batting line with 27 homers and 47 doubles. Even if his defense at third was atrocious, costing the Yankees 25 runs, he still had enough of a bat to more than make up for his shortcomings with the glove.
As it turns out, the Yankees may have their third baseman. Only, it is not Andujar – it is former scrap heap Gio Urshela. After struggling in his first three stints in the majors, he blossomed in pinstripes. Brought up to New York due to a succession of injuries, Urshela produced a .314/.355/.534 batting line with 21 homers and 34 doubles, his 133 OPS+ trailing only Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu amongst Yankee regulars.
So where does this leave Andujar? He struggled through his own injury plagues 2019 campaign, appearing in just 12 games as he two separate stints on the Injured List before undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. Even if he is healthy, his already questionable ability to play third may be further damaged.
At this point, a trade may be the most likely option for a player who once looked like a future cornerstone for the New York Yankees. Let’s look at a few possible destinations.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins already had one blockbuster trade with the New York Yankees, sending Giancarlo Stanton to the Bronx. It may be time to work out another deal.
As it stands, the Marlins have had a solid offseason. They have strengthened the roster, adding Jonathan Villar, Jesus Aguilar, Francisco Cervelli, and Corey Dickerson to fill some gaps in the lineup. However, Villar is currently listed as the Marlins starter at third base, which is not exactly what Derek Jeter and Company would likely want to see.
Andujar, meanwhile, could be an answer for the long term. The Marlins are desperately attempting to locate long term pieces that they can build a contender around. With a solid young rotation, and other intriguing arms coming through the minors, some of the pieces are there.
Nonetheless, third base is a hole. Unless one of their multitude of talented shortstops move to the hot corner, the Marlins do not have a single third baseman in their top 30 prospects. If he is healthy, Andujar could be the answer at the hot corner.
Of course, the Miami Marlins would need to find pieces that the New York Yankees would want in exchange for Miguel Andujar. As he is coming off of an injury plagued season, and with a questionable path to playing time, the Marlins may still have enough to pry Andujar free.
Atlanta Braves
In another day or two, the Atlanta Braves may not need a third baseman. But it would not hurt to keep their options open.
It is a matter of what happens with Josh Donaldson. The Braves third baseman last year, he seemingly wants to return to Atlanta, but he also wants a four year deal. While the Twins and the Nationals have reportedly made such offers to him, he is still sitting in free agency, presumably waiting to see if the Braves will match that fourth year.
However, there is only one Donaldson, and several teams vying for his services. As the Braves do not seem overly inclined, at least at present, to give him that fourth year, they need to find another option for the hot corner.
Enter Miguel Andujar. He would fit the Braves desire to have long term, controllable assets throughout the roster. As he remains pre-arbitration for another year, the money saved on salary could go towards long term extensions for other players on the roster. And, the Braves have the type of prospects that the New York Yankees could potentially ask for.
The Atlanta Braves need a third baseman. Miguel Andujar could be a nice backup plan if they are unable to bring back Josh Donaldson.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers made landing a third baseman their top priority this offseason. Yet, they are in the same spot they were when the offseason began.
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Anthony Rendon was atop their free agent wish list, but the Rangers failed to bring him in. Even worse, he signed with the division rival Angels, making their failure to land him hurt even more. Texas had then shifted to Josh Donaldson, but dropped out of the bidding as his price tag continued to increase.
Now, they have reportedly shifted their attention to Todd Frazier. However, even if they do sign Frazier, the Rangers are still expected to explore the trade market for other options at third. The ever present Nolan Arenado rumors have spread to include Texas, but one has to wonder if they would be willing to part with that type of prospect capital.
Miguel Andujar, meanwhile, would be the best of both worlds. He would be an upgrade over what the Rangers received from Asdrubal Cabrera last year, and could give Texas another middle of the order bat. Andujar has also worked with Adrian Beltre to improve his defense, and could continue those lessons more frequently with the Rangers.
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The New York Yankees have a decision to make when it comes to Miguel Andujar. If they do put him on the trade block, the Texas Rangers could be a possible destination.