With the New York Yankees signing star pitcher Gerrit Cole to a massive nine-year, $324 million contract, the golden gates are undoubtedly open in free agency. However, potential trades are also on the table as well, especially with value players like Miguel Andujar on the roster.
Reports of teams being interested in Andujar’s services have popped up from time to time, specifically the Texas Rangers. The former runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year missed virtually all of 2019 with a torn labrum and has since been rehabbing in an attempt to return to full health in 2020.
Where will the New York Yankees play Andujar?
The Bombers have tried to force the third base position on Andujar the past two seasons, but the reality is, he’s not defensively capable on the hot corner. Moving him to an outfield role or even first base might be preferable, but the Yankees are already stocked to the brim at most positions.
They could feature him in a designated hitter role next season, which is the most probable scenario as he works his way back from shoulder surgery.
When manager Aaron Boone was asked about Andujar switching positions, he stated:
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.
Has Boone asked Miguel to buy another glove?
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.
Considering Boone’s confidence that Andujar would be open to playing a different position, it’s fair to assume the youngster is conscious of his struggles at third base and might prefer a change in scenery. Nonetheless, I don’t imagine they will be moving on from him anytime soon as his value is lower after missing an entire season early on in his career.