The Yankees must keep Miguel Andujar for one significant reason

With speculation that the Yankees will look to deal third baseman Miguel Andujar this offseason, it’s justifiable to analyze his value. Andujar is coming off a season on the injured list after a torn labrum, a serious injury that will require plenty of recovery time.

“I’m definitely getting a lot of interest in Miguel Andujar while I’m sitting down here,” Cashman told ESPN Radio on Wednesday while in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the MLB GM Meetings. “I’ve got clubs asking me, ‘What are you going to do with him? We’d have an interest in him. Mark us down.’”

The youth product’s value undoubtedly took a hit from his spell on the injured list, and that’s the primary reason general manager Brian Cashman shouldn’t consider trading him away. Allowing him to return and show he can replicate his rookie season is the ideal scenario for the Yankees.

Best case scenario, Andujar develops into the team’s everyday third baseman, and worst case, he can be used as trade bait next offseason with a full-campaign of productivity and statistics under his belt. This will give Cashman more value to work with and allow him to pursue other top players.

The Yankees can expand on Andujar’s value:

From an objectional standpoint, Andujar’s cost isn’t only low because of his injury, but Gio Urshela also factors in. Urshela resembles a regular starter on the hot-corner for the Bombers, and that lowers Miguel’s value as well. Teams know the Yankees don’t necessarily need Andujar and will utilize that reality to drive down his price.

With Andujar’s defensive struggles playing a part, Cashman mentioned the idea of moving him around in the infield to test different scenarios. This could be a good idea, but the Yankees have answers at nearly every position. Shortstop is filled with Gleyber Torres or a free agent, DJ LeMahieu houses second base, and first base will likely rotate between Luke Voit and Mike Ford.

Third base is the only realistic option for Andujar, and that’s where he should continue to develop. However, Urshela’s defensive prowess places significant value on his head, but that shouldn’t deter Cashman from holding onto Andujar for at least one more season in an attempt to increase his value. If his bat comes to life next year, the trade deadline could be an excellent place to start shopping.