Miguel Andujar is ready to bounce back with the New York Yankees in 2020. After missing most of the 2019 season due to injury, Andujar is prepared for a new role in 2020.
Due to a torn labrum, Andujar appeared in just 12 games in 2019. He hit just .128, battling the injury since the opening series of the season. He went to the IL for a while and continued to have issues after his return before electing the season-ending surgery.
Andujar had a good offensive year in his 2018 rookie campaign. He was snubbed of the Rookie of the Year award to Shohei Ohtani, but it was likely due to his defense. He had less than a .950 fielding percentage and -25 defensive runs saved. He hit .297 in 2018 with 92 RBIs, 47 doubles, and 27 home runs. He’s often compared to Manny Machado on offense with his power.
2020 Expectations:
The Yankees could use a similar offensive season out of Andujar in 2020 as 2018. His defense clearly needs to be better, and he will be playing some new positions.
With Gio Urshela’s success at the hot corner in 2019, Andujar will likely only be the back-up there. He will begin to play first base and left field as well and has been practicing those two positions all winter.
I don’t think that Andujar will find a permanent home at one of the three positions, but will instead float between the three with occasional days as the DH. However, he should continue to crack the lineup most nights as the Yankees need his offense.
If he can stay healthy, Yankee fans should see another big season out of Miguel Andujar.