It had seemed as though Miguel Andujar had finally earned his place once more. He had been a drastic upgrade in the New York Yankees lineup, pushing Joey Gallo to the bench as he had begun to be productive once again. The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up had started to show that maybe, just maybe, he was more than a one year wonder.
But money talks. Although Gallo has been utterly useless since being acquired by the Yankees, he makes far more than Andujar does. As such, now that the Yankees are starting to get players back once again, it is Andujar who has lost his spot, being optioned back to Triple-A.
Miguel Andujar deserved better from New York Yankees
He is understandably fed up. After being notified that he was being sent down once more, Andujar reportedly told manager Aaron Boone that he no longer wants to be a part of the organization and demanded a trade.
While Andujar had demanded trades before, he had a right to be upset. Although his 74 OPS+ in his 43 plate appearances was not stellar, it is better than Gallo’s 72 OPS+. Andujar has at least been able to make contact when he is at the plate, even if he is completely allergic to drawing walks. He has also been better than Gallo defensively, saving three runs in left while the much-maligned slugger has cost the Yankees a run.
Chances are, Andujar is not going to be a superstar. That ship sailed years ago. However, he could still be a decent enough piece on a major league roster even if it is in a reserve role. If nothing else, he would be more productive than Gallo or Aaron Hicks.
Miguel Andujar is done trying to prove himself to the New York Yankees. He has once again demanded a trade to leave the organization.