As trade speculation continues to evolve into a reality across the MLB, we find ourselves coming back to New York Yankees‘ third baseman, Miguel Andujar. The infielder is going into his third season after missing all of 2019 with a torn labrum, and the expectation is that GM Brian Cashman will package him in a deal for another starting player or a bullpen arm.
However, Cashman would be smart to retain Andujar, though, as increasing his value should be a priority during the 2020 season. There’s little doubt that Andujar is a hot commodity on the open market, and teams have been reaching out to express their interest in his services. Up to this point, Cashman has backed away from any talks, considering the potential of the youth product.
The Yankees have a tough decision to make:
With the emergence of Gio Urshela last season on the hot corner, the Bombers have a difficult decision to make regarding Andujar. Do they trade him away, change his position, or utilize him as a designated hitter in 2020?
According to manager Aaron Boone, the Yankees haven’t considered moving him around in the infield, which would indicate that they are looking to keep him at third base.
We’ll see. Long way to go between now and certainly Opening Day and the end of March. I know he’s doing well physically. First and foremost it’s about getting him rehabbed properly and ready to go so that he’s ready to come into Spring Training and compete. He’s working hard right now on his defense and kinda building up his arm strength. So we know he’s a really talented, really potentially special player, and first and foremost we want him to be healthy and ready to go so he can put his best foot forward come spring training.
In regards to considering a switch of positions:
No, no. We have not. And I think it’s probably something he would be open to. We have started talking about a little bit, but right now we have a focus on getting healthy and working hard at third base.
The most efficient move would be to hold off on moving Andujar until the Yankees resurrect his value, whether it’s through an increase in defensive efficiency or offensive production. This would give the Bombers the ability to enjoy a better return on investment if there is a need at the trade deadline next season.