Why The New York Yankees Should Hold On To Miguel Andujar At All Costs

New York Yankees, Miguel Andujar
Sep 11, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar (41) throws to first base in the fourth inning against Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees have drawn interest from several teams in regard to third-baseman Miguel Andujar after a fantastic MLB debut last season.

Andujar’s hitting was phenomenal, earning a batting average of .297 with 27 home runs and an on-base-percentage of .328. His impressive rookie campaign was led by his bat, which is what most teams are after — the Padres, Mets, and Mariners were all discussed as potential trade partners.

Why Miguel Andujar should be kept on the New York Yankees:

The Yankees would be foolish to allow one of the more exciting youth players in the league slip through their finger-tips. While adding quality starting pitching is a priority this offseason, giving up one of the best hitters in the lineup ultimately only leaves a hole on the roster.

The only justification of allowing Andujar to leave would be that he hurts the team on defense. He committed 15 errors last season and could be replaced by star free agent Manny Machado. Personally, I would like the Yankees to stick with the young phenom and give him time to develop. It’s surprising what a little confidence in a player can do to their game.

Another option for the infielder would be to move him to first-base, where he could work on catching and his flexibility rather than throwing and fielding from across the diamond. This seems like an idea that hasn’t been discussed much this offseason.

Miguel Andujar is a stud:

The rookie finished second in the league behind Shohei Ohtani for AL rookie of the year. His season was stellar and unloading the player would be the wrong move all around. Even if the Yanks received a good pitcher for his services, Andujar could be a staple in Pinstipes for the next decade.