In the past few weeks, there have been discussions about the New York Yankees trading for an outfielder to help supplement the deficiencies produced by Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks. Both have struggled considerably on offense this season, with Gallo hitting .165 and Hicks recording a .209 average.
Gallo also has a 27.8% on base rate and 38.1% strikeout rate, which is even high for him, and he’s known for that lofty metric. There are reasons to believe that Gallo has been getting unlucky, considering he has a 47.5% hard-hit rate and 19.7% barrel rate. His exit velocity is down to 88.5 mph and launch angle down to 16.3°, but when you’re struggling as badly as Joey, you have to be considering supplemental options.
Hicks, on the other hand, hosts a 33.8% on base rate with a .243 slugging percentage, the lowest of his career. He’s hit just one homer and recorded seven RBIs over 140 plate appearances this season. While Hicks is walking at 15.7%, he looks lost at the plate and no longer has power in his game after last year’s wrist injury.
The trade deadline offers a few different opportunities for the Yankees, but they may already have their solution on the roster with Miguel Andujar.
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Miguel Andujar has made a positive impact in left field when called upon:
Miggy started against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night in left field. Aaron Judge shifted to center with Joey Gallo in RF. Andujar was hitting cleanup in the four-slot, recording one hit and an RBI.
So far this season, Andujar is hitting .294 with two RBIs and a 17.6% strikeout rate over 17 plate appearances. The sample size isn’t big enough to coin him an immediate starter. Management should continue to give him opportunities and reps to prove he’s taking a step forward.
However, Andujar’s biggest negative has always been defense. He looks far more comfortable out in left field compared to his previous opportunities. This may indicate he’s ready to make the transition. With Triple-A this year, he’s hitting .289 with four homers and 10 RBIs.
Injuries continue to mount for the Yankees, meaning they have no choice but to keep giving Miguel reps. Many believe he should be eating into the reps of Gallo and Hicks regardless.