While New York Yankees’ Miguel Andujar had a stellar season at the plate in 2018, earning an impressive .297 batting average with 27 homers and 92 RBIs, his biggest weakness was on defense.
Andujar recorded 15 errors last season at third-base, which played a big part in his benching in Game 4 of the Division Series against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees went on to lose that game and most were baffled by the decision due to the loss of a consistent bat in the lineup. “Benching” might be a harsh word to use, though. I would call it a “tactical move.”
The young infielder will turn 24 next March, making his future a promising one. If he can replicate his efficiency at the plate in 2019 and improve his defensive abilities, he could become one of the league’s most appealing third-baseman.
According to Newsday.com, Andujar has dropped the “off” from “offseason” and begun working on his craft:
“He came down for a few days a couple of weeks ago,†infield coach Carlos Mendoza, who lives in the Tampa area, said by phone Friday. “We always talk about his work ethic, and the fact that it’s the offseason and he’s already working at his craft, not just physically but baseball-wise . . . that says a lot about Miguel Andujar.â€
“It’s not that he wants to be good, he wants to be great. That’s the reason he’s doing what he’s doing,†Mendoza said. “He wants to continue to get better. He’s always looking for the details. ‘How can I improve here? How can I improve there?’ That’s what makes him special.â€
The recent trade rumors circling Miguel Andujar:
Recent reports have emerged claiming that the Yankees and Mets have been in talks about a trade including Andujar. The Yankees would receive star pitcher Noah Syndergaard in the hypothetical deal, which would be enticing nonetheless. The narrative that nobody is “untouchable,” according to GM Brian Cashman might be a bit egregious, as allowing a promising player like Miguel to leave would be questionable.
Personally, I wouldn’t take anything Cashman says to the media too seriously, as any good general manager would never show their cards to the public. Andujar will most likely remain a Yankee for the extended future, and his work ethic is surely proving to be exactly what New York wants in a player.