The Yankees entered the 2019 season expecting Miguel Andujar to continue establishing himself as one of the best young third basemen in baseball. It wasn’t an unrealistic thought on the Yankees’ part, as Andujar was then just several months removed from a 2018 rookie campaign in which he posted outstanding offensive numbers and seemed capable of hitting a double at will. But this past season ended up serving as a massive disappointment for Andujar, who battled right shoulder problems from the outset and barely factored into the Yankees’ 103-win outburst.
Andujar, owner of a sparkling .297/.328/.527 line with 27 home runs during a 606-PA rookie showing, fell from grace this season over 49 injury-affected trips to the plate. The 24-year-old batted a horrid .128/.143/.128 without a homer, and now it’s fair to wonder if he has walked to the plate as a Yankee for the last time.
General manager Brian Cashman has always advocated for Andujar, and that remains the case, but the executive revealed last week that Andujar – even after a nightmarish season – continues to garner plenty of trade interest. Cashman could easily swat away Andujar suitors, as he has consistently done, but unlike last winter, it wouldn’t be out of bounds to wonder whether the Yankees still have a place for him.
When Andujar’s shoulder troubles put an end to his 2019 in mid-May, there was panic because it didn’t seem the club had an obvious replacement on hand. But it turned out the little-known Gio Urshela was more than up to the task, as the 28-year-old slashed a jaw-dropping .314/.355/.534 and swatted 21 HRs with 3.1 fWAR over 476 PA. Was it a fluke from someone who had never even hit much in the minors? Perhaps. However, when Cashman was discussing the Yankees’ third base plans last week, he suggested the position will remain in Urshela’s hands going into 2020. If Urshela continues clinging to the role, is there any other obvious place to put Andujar – whose defense at third has generated poor reviews thus far? It’s debatable.
Cashman has stated the Yankees are open to trying Andujar at first base or in the corner outfield, but the club also has plenty of talent in those areas. Luke Voit, Mike Ford and even the semi-forgotten, injury-riddled Greg Bird represent options there. Even if you’ve given up on Bird (and who could blame you?), Voit and Ford make for a pair of effective major league bats who are affordable. In the corner outfield, meanwhile, the Yankees have the superstar tandem of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton with some potential mix of Brett Gardner, Mike Tauchman and Clint Frazier as fallback choices. Would there be space for Andujar there? Maybe, especially as the free agent Gardner (if he re-signs) will likely be the Yankees’ go-to guy in center field with Aaron Hicks recovering from Tommy John surgery. And the Yankees could certainly rotate Andujar in at designated hitter, where they figure to also rely on a capable-looking cast consisting of Voit, Ford, Judge, Stanton, Frazier and catcher Gary Sanchez.
It goes without saying that the Yankees do not have to trade Andujar. He’s a potential offensive star who’ll make a relative pittance for the next couple years and isn’t even on track to reach free agency until after the 2023 season. But for a club that’s targeting starting pitching this offseason, it wouldn’t be stunning to see New York deal from a surplus (offensive talent) to land an arm(s) prior to 2020. If Andujar does indeed end up on the block, teams like the Pirates, Tigers, Rangers, Royals, Brewers, Marlins, Indians, Angels, Braves and Nationals are among those who could end up in pursuit. Cashman’s in the catbird seat, though, as he could simply retain Andujar in hopes of a bounce-back season if nobody makes an offer to his liking.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
I thought you aren’t suppose to lose your job to an injury.
Drew Bledsoe, is that you?
Ha ha now that is the perfect response! Numerous
Wally Pipp’ed him, so to speak.
no room in the Bronx for any injury ridden and/or flatlining players. Titles aren’t coming with Andujar, Hicks, and Betances on board.
@fair-critic
Perhaps the dumbest comment I’ve seen yet. Andujar and Betances don’t have a recent history of injuries. Betances had elbow problems back in the minors but that was like in 2009 or 2010. Andujar has never had an injury beyond the labrum this past year. Hicks of course is a valid concern but I doubt he prevents them from winning.
Would you say the Yanks can win with Torres? I mean he missed about as as much time with his TJ surgery than Andujar. What about Judge and Severino?
Seems odd you call out those two (Andujar and Betances).
Pwny
Pwnt even
I’m not a Yankees fan but south beach you’re comment was dead on except there’s no mention of Stanton—possibly the biggest no show of last season. As a Giants fan, I dream of an offense as good as the yanks’. We’ll take your “rejects”.
Btw, I’m pretty sure pitching, not hitting, was the downfall. From an outsiders viewpoint, Sanchez’ poor defense offsets his hitting. And Chapman is not as advertised. Just my 2 cents. Feel free to critique cuz I don’t follow everyday.
@claude raymond
You’re right. I wouldn’t say pitching was our downfall tho. Poor situational hitting, even including Torres and DJ who left quite a few guys on base in games where it counted. That and not having German were the main reason. But this offseason it should be all about retaining Didi, Bets and Gardner and bringing in a true ace. If we can add a contact hitting lefthanded LF too that would be great. I wanted the Yanks to bring in one of Harper/Brantley/Markakis last year but it didn’t happen obviously. Trading Sanchez and signing Grandal should at least be a thought but I don’t want to sell low on Sanchez and I’m not sure what his trade value is.
Brandon belt would thrive in that park. And he’s a good defender. I like him but he needs a change of scenery. Who could the yanks offer for him? Or nay on a trade in ur opinion?
@@fair-critic
Hey dude I hope you read this. I’m sure you don’t take this stuff serious. But my apologies for labeling your comment as “dumb”. That was rude. You’re entitled to your thoughts even if I disagree.
@claude raymond
I don’t think they’d even entertain the idea of accepting Belt’s $, let alone actually send something back to the Giants in a trade. Voit/Ford is a better and much cheaper option, and there are plenty of cheaper 1B bats on the FA market.
Corey Kluber for Miguel Andujar? Other pieces added but I think this makes sense for both teams. Could make it even a larger blockbuster by adding Carlos Santana going to NY if NY isn’t comfortable with Voit
And don’t tell me Jo Adell for Andujar because it’s not even close.
The Angels are not relevant and the Yankees are not prospect shopping.
Your nuts if you don’t think the Yankees would make that trade in a heartbeat.
They would, but the Angels would not.
@halofan20
That trade wouldn’t happen because Adell has a higher ceiling. But keep in mind that’s not a Yankee fan suggesting it to lets save all the “Yankee fans are delusional”. Same can be said about the Yanks getting Lindor. That was a writer trying to get clocks.
Andujar’s value is going to be at a low point here. I believe the Yankees would be better served by selling high on Urshela who probably just had a career year. Andujar might not be capable of getting back to his rookie level again, but I think he deserves a chance to at the very least rebuild his value.
I don’t see them getting much back in return for him.
Great plan old sport! Andujar deserves a chance to rebuild his value whereas mr Urshela can be thrown back to the scrap heap where he came from! Forget that Urshela is the only one who can play defense!
Old sport? Did you just step out of a Sherlock Holmes novel?
Urshela’s glove deserves to open spring training as the team’s starting third baseman. Should he prove he’s a one year wonder, it’s too bad It doesn’t fit Andujar’s hand.
Funny!
Guess we’ve never read the great gatsby on this side of the pond!
Pip pip, cheerio, gov’na!
There is nothing that shows players with his injuries don’t come back, in fact mostly they regain or excel. Within two years. Miguel drives the ball. Anyone would and will want him.
Not if he hasn’t made significant improvements as a defender.
no one is giving up much for a 28 yr old 3rd baseman who had a career year, he’s worth more to the yanks
I agree with this point. Urshela will never repeat the output he produced this year. Good fielder but the bat will come back to earth. Trade him now to cash in on that value, get a much better pitcher and possibly a couple more pieces for him.
@Baseballfreak
A lot of ppl are question whether Gio can repeat his 2019 performance. No way is his trade value high enough to get the players your talking about. They might as well just hold on to him.
I’d consider trading both but Andujar plays 1st if he stays with the Yanks and plays the field.
@hiflew
The Yankees aren’t trading high on Gio. I doubt anyone is going to give them what they need in return and at the end of the day, he’s our best defensive 3b. I don’t think he’s a fluke but even if he regressed to a .260/.330 hitter with 10 homers he’s still our best defensive 3B.
It makes sense to hold on to both and see how it plays out.
Holding both makes no sense whatsoever. One will inevitably stagnate on the bench and you will end up trading fr far less or even outright releasing them. Trade from a strength to improve a weakness. Even if you don’t get top dollar, it’s better than you will get after one does a lot less in 2020 due to lack of playing time.
@hiflew
Andujar is more likely to hit like he did in 2018 and Gio is more likely to be the better glove. Yanks have no reason to trade either right now. No one is going to pay for 2019’s Gio and they seem to expect a regression. And you people see no value in a hitter like Andujar. I’m not saying one of them won’t be traded between now and end of 2020 but it certainly doesn’t have to be done now. If no one is going to pay up for either then there’s zero harm if one of them flops. According to some, Andujar wouldn’t net a top ace (I agree) or a top prospect (pitcher or otherwise) (I disagree).
Andujar is overrated as many yankees farm players are. Glorified for hitting in hitters park with mediocre obp and absolutely atrocious defender at 3rd which puts him as a first baseman or dh where his bat definitely doesn’t play up. Yankees would be better holding on incase gio cant have another career year. Also have to hope andujar rebounds to his former runner up to rookie of the year form and then flip him to a 1st base needy team.
Any team that trades for Andújar is thinking big because of his bat.. that team should also have openings at first and DH just in case his 3B defense doesn’t turn around.
Does anyone know if he could be hidden in left field for other teams. I know the shoulder surgery but can he snag balls out in left field for a team with a short porch? Wonder if Cincinnati is hunting out there.
Speculation-a-plenty for Andujar, apparently.
sny.tv/yankees/news/4-potential-trade-packages-for…
Three of those trade proposals are so bad. Andujar for Adell. I am still laughing at that one.
Andujar to the cubs for fat load Schwarber is about right value wise. The others look to have been written by someone who knows nothing about baseball.
Value’s are about right but does that even make sense for either team? Not saying this to you obviously. I can’t imagine a world where NYY would trade Andujar for anything but pitching.
And Jo Adell lol. Why not just ask Tampa if they want him for Wander? At least NY could use a SS.
Not likely. Schwarbs at least swings it from the Left side. When compared to the other deals he proposes it looks like gold though.
Just Andujar isn’t getting the Yankees Schwarber. Stop the madness.
Schwarber 38 bombs and 90 RBI’s third most out field assists in mlb.
Okay, I get it that Andujar, coming off an injury year probably isn’t going to net a proven major-league ballplayer like Schwarber but lets not forget he’s got 3 years of solid ML experience already so its an unfair comparison right from the start.
Expectations, given what was seen in Andujars 1 year starting is building on his power numbers which may be the equal of Schwarber, so if you get beyond that, you’re really comparing 2 somewhat defensively challenged ballplayers who are starting because of their offense more than their defense.
@Steven Chinwood
You say it as if Schwarber weren’t a very flawed player. Yes he hit 38 homers but he also struck out on average 150 x the last 3 years. Andujar will likely be a better all around hitter than him. Plus KS is a free agent in 2 years where as Andujar has 4 years of control
All but the Adell trade seemed plausible.
Did that John Harper moron hit his head? Or did he get really high before he wrote that? Now I see why Yankee fans can be so un-educated when it comes to trades. That Braves trade and Angels trade. OMG, this guy is dumb de dumb. I actually think if the Yankees offered this to either team, not only would they hang up, they’d block all further calls from the number it came from.
Eric Skoglund for Andujar ?
Aaron Brooks for Francisco Lindor?
your comparing Lindors value to Andujar ?
those trade proposals are about as lopsided.
You’re comparing Eric Skoglund’s value to Andujar’s?
Yes , Andujar is not a top prospect , and looks to be on pace to being very average
@1738hotlinebling
What are you going by? He had a .855 OPS in his one and only season. That ranked 36th among all hitters. Other than a low OBP how is that “very average”?
I remember people saying the same exact things about Cano and to an extent Melky.
@1738hotlinebling
Andujar isn’t a prospect because he debuted in 2018 and was runner up to ROY. He’s better than a top prospect because other than an injury he’s had huge success based off of hit bat already.
No, it’s just that it would be another ridiculous trade proposal on here lol
Alright alright Andujar, Frazier to Texas for Joey Gallo.
So everyone expects a 31 yo pitcher to be a bounce back candidate? If history has taught us anything it’s simply not on Kluber’s side. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and a serious injury liability at this point. He’s at best a #3-#4 pitcher on a team expected to contend. Since Andujar and Frazier keeps popping up in the news, I totally expect these two to have serious discussions about Kluber and Lindor for Andujar, Frazier and a couple of prospects thrown in. I think the Yankees see several of their pitching prospects as quality pieces in the right environment, just not Yankee Stadium. A lot of scouts think the exact same thing. Don’t dismiss this trade as undoable or out of the question. Cleveland knows they overshot their window with Kluber and Lindor doesn’t want to stick around for a rebuild. Get quality pieces while you can and move on. Lindor becomes a superstar in NY and gets a monsterous payday and Cleveland gets their payroll down to begin their rebuild. Total fits on paper and logic. We will see.
I don’t see Urshela being consistent year after year
@Stanley
Maybe not but the Yanks aren’t going to trade him because of the possibility. Let him play and prove what he is or isn’t.
Andujar will not be traded this offseason while his value is low. He will begin next season with the Yankees and if he regains his form and Urshela and Voit are playing well the Yankees could look to trade him at the deadline
Yankees should trade Voit and Bird and leave first base to Andujar has the most upside of the three and Ford as a backup. And he can’t be a fulltime DH because of Stanton. I don’t see him playing LF either
I like Voit’s hitting a lot better. Andujar should start season in AAA, where his defense won’t hurt the major league club, and work out the kinks. Ursula earned his spot on both sides of the ball last year.
*Urshela*. Apologies, my phone is possessed by a vile spellchecker..
Bird has Sweihart value at the moment…
@Stanley
Bird has no trade value. They are better off sticking him in AAA. And Andujar has to prove he can handle 1B. I don’t get the hate on Voit. It’s lime “OMG he didn’t appear on a top 100 list. He must not be good”.
Voit has opposite field power and near .400 OBA, not a butcher in the field, to me he is either the clear choice of the current 1B candidates (excluding DJ) or the most valuable trade chip of them. They pull for Bird because they would like another lefty bat or two, especially with Didi gone, but you have a solid player already at 1B in Voit. Yanks fans should appreciate stealing him in a trade instead of perpetually trying to repair and resurrect a prospect from yesteryear.
@Finlander
Voit has been nothing short of fantastic and it’s only because he wasn’t a vaulted top 100 prospect that ppl dump on him. He’s far from the journey man AAAA that they make him out to be. He signed after 4 years of college and was blocked. He hit at all levels. I’m good with him being our 1B until there’s reason to move him. Bird should be in AAA. He has no trade value now.
Release Bird then
@Stanley
Why release him? Stick in AAA and let him play everyday. He’s likely going to split time with Ford between 1B and DH. They might wish to bump Chris Gittens who is a bat first guy in AA with a .893 OPS last year. That and if his 40 man roster spot is needed. I could also see them releasing him and resigning him on a minor league deal if it wasn’t done last year. We went thru quite a few options because of inuries last year so as long as he;s not blocking a rule 5 or real 1b prospect he could be good depth if healthy. But he’s definitely behind Voit and Ford on the 1B depth chart and that would also put him behind DJ too depending if they bring Didi back which allows DJ to mover around the infield including 1B.
Release Bird then
Bird has no value.
Farhan are you there? Belt or Longoria…
I heard meth is a huge problem in the Bay area and this post confirms it
Meth. I’m on it.
– South Dakota meth prevention tag line
What’s wrong with keeping him around as a depth piece? With the unreal year the Yankees had with injuries, what’s the rush?
agreed. no reason to sell low. if other teams value him as little as some seem to here, then his value is clearly greater in NYY. why not start him as their own DH next year and plug him in somewhere else due to the inevitable injury.
Andujar for Starling Marte + Chris Archer.
Seems to fill needs for both sides. Chris Archer is a great reclamation project that at worst is decent reliever.
Trades need to address “mutual needs.” Yankees are without a CF to start the year (and possibly for a good part of the year.) They also are trying to pinch a few $$ so they can possibly sign an impact arm. They are overloaded with DH/1B types already and Andujar is a total butcher (-29 Rtot in 2018) with the glove. Even when Aaron Hicks comes back he has only a combined +2Rtot for 2018 and his 1/3 of 2019 combined in the OF. The Mariners can send the Yankees Mallex Smith (who had a 3.5 WAR year in 2018 for the Rays). He provides good defense in CF, he has hit against the AL East and certainly his bat will improve in Yankee Stadium relative to Tampa and Seattle. The Mariners tried Vogelbach at DH, but he can’t lift his batting average over his waist and so Andujar (who has almost no platoon split) can become the full-time DH. Smith is much cheaper than an outside alternative for CF. Andujar has one more year of control, but Smith would be there for modest $$ in 2020, 2021 and 2022. If his bat doesn’t play as well as they hope he is tactical speed and defense, which might help them a lot in the post-season.
Wow. Just…wow
@SeattleSlew
Yanks don’t need a CF for 2021. We have Hicks signed. Yanks can go with Gardner and Tacuhman for 2020 in CF and Frazier in LF>
“Kluber for andujar, frazier and ellsbery.” Yankee fans.
I think you’re joking, but the funny thing that was a real Yankees fan post.
Based on these comments, the Yankees should just release Andujar outright and he’d be better retiring because no team will have any interest in him whatsoever
It is crazy.
Well, he is a pretty bad player who had a career-ending injury, so…..youre the ones who are crazy???
Lol@ Strike Four. Wow.
@Strike Four
Career ending injury? Yeezus. I have more faith in Andujar returning to form with his bat than I do a 34 year old coming off of a broken forearm and oblique injury.
This is crazy.
Andujar was one of our top players in 2018.
He will hit.
He has more value than most of these comments would indicate. Really laughable.
Ive watch almost every yankees game for decades. You dont trade a guy like this. Forget the spin on his defense. That can only improve. Rarely do players improve their hitting to the level he is starting at.
Career .318 OBP yeah he’s an elite hitter lmao
btw you dont say “one of our top players” in a year you didnt win the WS, that just proves he’s not good enough.
Strike Four is another sabr muppet who worships at the altar of OBP.
So, by this logic, an Angel’s fan who calls Mike Trout their best player is wrong because they did not win the World Series? As in, Mike Trout is simply not good enough because his team wasn’t?
@Strike Four
In 2018 he had a .855 OPS that ranked him 36th among all hitters in baseball….as a rookie. So nice to focus on just the OBP and not factor in his contact ability and the 76 xbh.
Absolutely!! If Devers can turn himself into a serviceable third baseman, no reason to think Andujar can’t do the same thing.
Exceptions prove rules
Connor, you shouldnt have written this article. you’re encouraging the people who include Andujar in any trade known to man. The Yankees like Andujar too much and they’d be selling low. he’s going nowhere.
If the season opened today the Yankees would probably be forced to play Tauchman in CF and Stanton in LF, if healthy. That would potentially open DH for Andujar, assuming Frazier is still in the doghouse.
Andujar’s offensive potential is too good to pass up considering his worth is currently low. Putting up 2018 production out of the 7-hole, give or take, is tremendous.
Andujar? Is healthy? He played in 12 games in 2019. A shoulder injury is very serious
Vegas if you read it properly I was referring to Stanton’s injury, not Andujar. AND, you provided added proof as to why Andujar won’t be traded.
@VegasSDfan
Dude…like any other player that has been on the DL you have the surgery, rehab and then you play again. Gleyber Torres had TJ surgery and came back fine. Hundreds of pl;ayers have missed a year and came back strong. We’ll see how he bounces back. But if you have objections to Andujar’s health then you should also say that to all these knuckleheads that are assuming Kluber, a soon to be 34 year old SP who had a broken forearm and oblique strain that also had a 5+ ERA PRIOR to the injury is still valued as if he’s going to be an ace in 2020.
Why are you “if the season opened today”ing in November??!?!?! Lunacy. Literally one FA has signed.
Because I can, Strike Four. I have as much freedom to hypothetically put that out there as you do paying Marcus Semien a 10-year contract. Spare me the “lunacy”.
Andujar to the Blue Jays for Bichette jr.
I get how you would think it makes total sense from the Yankee’s point of view, but please explain how that makes sense from the Toronto perspective
It doesn’t. This is a dig at the troll @WAJGH
Funny, I didn’t look at it as a dig. People actually believe you are a dud and I did nothing to provoke you.
Will Myers for Andujar straight up!
Good luck with that.
Hey, Padres fans, you’re stuck with Wil Myers. Get over it.
If I had to guess I’d say Andujar is going to Seattle because Seattle cannot believe a terrible glove guy who hits just okay. Healy, Vogelbach, Santana, Smith etc etc
@Strike Four
I see your .323 OBP and raise you an .855 OPS in his rookie year with near 80 extra base hits and a very low K%.
Wait? Shouldn’t it be “rookie of the year runner up miguel andujar”?
Among his peers he was voted ROY.
“Among his peers he was voted ROY.”
I must have missed that award… it was probably a made up award like the “Team with the Most Players on the IL Award”.
So you missed it and that means it didn’t happen? Sorry Melch, it just doesn’t work that way.
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:UxL9…
That award means nothing.
Yeah, what do MLB players know anyway. Writers are the ones that really know talent.
Or did you mean that it means nothing to you?
Sign a couple of SP and hold on to your players.
There’s no need to trade anyone. 2019 should reinforce that since plug & play was what saved the team against the revolving door of injuries.
Yeah I think the luxury tax and draft compensation are stupid since it rewards teams who won’t/don’t give big contracts… but teams like NYY generate more than enough revenue to cover their share of the MLB Welfare Fund
You can’t keep everyone.
The Yanks have to trade prospects pretty much every year if they’re doing it right.
Andujar, Bird, and Elsbury’s salary to the Tigers for Fulmer.
The Tigers already have a DH and a high priced bad contract both named Miquel Cabrera. Why spend more money for another DH? That does not make any sense for the Tigers.
Andujar for Fulmer straight up would make the most sense since it is trading players with injury+potential from each team’s strength to their need. Andujar would play 1st for the Tigers so Bird would be pointless. If Elsbury is included the Tigers would gladly send Jordan Zimmerman to the Yankees. Again, not horrible for either team since the Yankees could use a back end starter & the Tigers have OF openings.
Don’t think the Yankees need another mid-rotation arm, which is what Fulmer probably is considered right now, especially for Andujar who could be a centerpiece in a more complicated trade that nets a top of the rotation arm.
All the criticism of the Yankees and their moves to acquire pitching is their seeming reluctance to make the big move for a front line pitcher and at this point, while Fulmer may be more that for the Tigers, he wouldn’t be for the Yankees.
Why is everyone assuming that Andujar will never be a league-average defensive player? I’ve never seen anything about this kid that suggests he doesn’t work hard and is lazy. We just had an example of a player (Marcus Semien) who overcame a lot of defensive issues and figured it out later in his career. Andujar will be going into his age 25 season.
I don’t know if it’s just Yankee hate that fills the majority of the people here or if it’s fueled by Yankee fans seeking unrealistic returns for him. Unless some of you have been in scouting departments I wouldn’t try to project what he will be or how teams look at him. At the end of the day I don’t think the Yankees would sell low on him.
Andujar put up one of the worst defensive seasons in recent history lol like sure he could get better. You’re welcome to think he can. I don’t, at least not to the extent that he’s playable at 3rd.
@SuperSinker
Nick Castellanos was a butcher at 3b too for his career, was acquired by the Cubs, a NL team w/ no DH, for their playoff run and is about to sign a multi deal for 10’s of millions. So yeah, bat first players are in demand, have value and get paid.
He doesn’t have the range to be a defensive asset at 3rd base.
His skills profile as potentially above average at first base though.
Let’s not forget that Andujar was runner-up Rookie of the Year two years ago, and was one of the best hitters on the team. There are many examples of young players getting better defensively. From what I saw he wasn’t as bad as people are making him out to be on defense. I would think he is a 3 WAR player projected moving forward.
Eric Hinske won ROY. It doesn’t matter lol. Andujar will have to absolutely annihilate baseballs to get a ~3 WAR projection with how brutal he is on defence.
Yep, and he was on a lot of World Series teams.
@SuperSinker
Yeezus does anybody consult the numbers anymore? He had a 2.8 WAR his rookie season.
Kluber and lindor to NY for andujar, Frazier, D. Garcia, tyler wade and chance adams
Just to get started maybe through in another piece
Andujar, Wade and Frazier have zero value now. Let them play a productive injury free season in 2020 and they will have value. Right now it’s a gamble. It’s like someone trading for Fulmer. Teams want to see he can still play before they make a huge commitment.. They might trade a couple minor league unknowns for them, but right now, no one wants to pay a high price for damaged goods.
I’ve been following this site for years now, I’ve read enough of your comments to realize thyat I don’t always disagree with your points, I guess my gripe is you speak so often in absolutes. Stating that these players have “zero” value is just crazy. But, your general opinion that their value can only increase with a display of health (assuming comparable production) is spot on.
Andujar and Frazier have no value, I don’t thinks so. If so why are they in the news having teams asking about them? They both have played for the Yanks, we are not talking about playing for a lower division team.
NO !
The Indians will not trade Lindor for two DH’s, a 5 foot 9 inch pitcher that profiles as a potential future reliever, and two bottom of the roster players.
South Beach, this is another example of the many poor trades spewed forth by Yankee fans,
Can we please stop. There will be no trade between the Yankees and Indians involving Lindor. The Yankees need starting pitching more and there are likely better options available to the Indians if they decide to trade Lindor.
@hockeyjohn
Yanks aren’t the only fan base to offer stupid trade props. Look at just about any post you see about a player being traded and then compare it to what the team actually gets. We’re just louder than most.
While it’s true a lot of my fellow Yankee fans make ridiculous trade proposals on this site, it is also true that there are plenty of Yankee haters on here making asinine comments, as well. Andujar is not an overhyped Yankee prospect. The guy is a legit MLB hitter. He’s a guy that puts the bat on the ball with hard contact. Yes, his defense needs work, but from what I recall, his main problem was throwing the ball to 1st, something he worked on – footwork and arm angle – last offseason. I was looking forward to watching him defensively until he hurt his shoulder. He has decent hands.
He’s not Urshela defensively, but he’s definitely the superior hitter. Yankees would be foolish to expect Urshela to repeat, or come anywhere close, to his 2019 production, next season. I’ll believe it when I see it.
And limted range as well. There are too many areas to work on. Also considering his serious arm injury, he is too much of a risk. You don’t trade Lindor for that type of risk. Smart organizations won’t and Cleveland’s front office is very good.
Andujar has 1 year of performance also.
Urshela has 4 years of results. He ” broke out ” at 28 during a season where offense was up around the entire league. I’ll place my chips on Andujar.
At what position?
Cashman will spend most of his effort on signing Cole right now and Gardy. If they can get another top end pitcher they will be set to go. He is listening to offers for Andujar and the like to get a reading on their value, he’s not giving anyone away.
“Cashman will spend most of his effort on PRETENDING TO signing Cole right now”… there, fixed it.
Lemme know when the Yankees sign Cole
Love how people after only one year want to label a player a bust in the infield. He is a young kid still with much to learn even Adrian Beltre who was not as sure handed in the minors and the beginning of his career in the MLB was shaky and by the age of 24 had already committed 120 errors. and became a defensive stalwart.
Andujar is only 24 years on soon to be 25 on 03.02.2020 he has a rocket for an arm and it would be a huge mistake on the Yankees giving up on him so soon because with Gio you still don’t know what you may get next year same with Ford or Voit.
You are talking about a kid that in all reality should have been the ROY because once again Shohei Ohtani whom played 4 years professionally in the Japanese league was already a seasoned veteran. NO way Cashman will trade Andujar on the low and those that are saying he is a terrible fielder believe me there will be easily every team out there interested in a young Right Handed hitting 3rd Baseman that has room to groom and blossom. He has shown he can hit in the majors at a young age so why sell low?
Yankees best bet is to keep him fight it out with Gio in Spring training and utilize him ala DJ because if the Yankees don’t sign Didi that changes the whole landscape and Andujar because much more important to this team because unlike Greg Bird he at least has shown potential to hit and the jury is still out on Ford & Voit.
Remember how Gardner, Bernie Williams even Derek Jeter was a huge liability in the minors and how they blossomed you have to give the kids a chance to grow and not trade away young talent on the cheap when you need that blend of young talent that is cheap in order to maintain a manageable payroll.
Also, DJ is signed thru end of 2020 and if he posts another great season like this year he may price himself out of the Yankees plan.
It’s also funny how some people classify Andujar as a “professional hitter”, and say he’ll “definitely hit going forward” after 1 year. Urshela also had 1 good year of hitting as well, and is healthy.
I also think it’s funny you can play minor league baseball and still be considered a rookie but a Japanese player plays 4 years of pro ball over there and suddenly he was too well prepared for Major League Baseball lol
When you have kids at 18 all in rookie and low ball level and same age while you have Japanese ballplayers even if 19 years old they are already seasoned veterans when playing with guys that are in their 30’s is a big difference you are better prepared which is why Japanese ballplayers and Cuban ballplayers are more adapt to get into the big leagues and immediately pay dividends.
I guess you didn’t know the difference why announcers always state Japanese ballplayers are professional that is because they are already playing at a high level by the time they are posted and comes to the MLB.
So yes don’t compare the Japanese Leagues with minors it is a huge difference.
Here is a tidbit from then LOu Pinella:
When Matsui was up for the award in 2003, then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella told ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:
It’s unfair to our kid—or any kid in any organization who’s coming out of our minor-league system in this country. When you talk about players like Ichiro and Matsui, you’re talking about guys who are much more farther along in their experience and development than our kids over here. It takes these kids three, four, five years to catch up with the guys from Japan, from a standpoint of experience and development.
He has hit in the minors and thus far in the Major leagues it would be different if he never hit at all in any level and then comes up and has that one good year. you will have doubts when scouts and teams state the player can hit and is advanced for his age I take the word of a scout or teams.
The best comparison I have heard to Andujar is Alfonso Soriano..
You wouldn’t have any objections using him with others to get pitching though.
Only for TOR pitchers and with him needing to reestablish his value, it’s not likely to happen. Besides, he’s still got options. No real need to move him yet.
@Joe Says…
Cano is a much better comp. Neither Cano or Andujar have as high of a K rate as Soriano. Cano and Andujar were around 16%. Soriano’s career K rate is around 21% with several years being in the mid 20s.
@SouthBeach.. I was referring more to his defense but I agree on the Cano batting comp.
no room for Miguel, Hicks, or sadly even Betances. can’t string ourselves along on long term injuries and/or flatlining stats.
They are stuck with Hicks. Andujar is worth holding onto. He can slowly ease back into either 3rd or 1st or DH. If he catches fire, give him more time.
Does Whit for Andujar and German make sense?
Hell no. Only KC seems to value Merrifield as a modern day Joe Morgan. I wouldn’t trade either of those players straight up for Merrifield, nevermind both of them. Smh.
The Yankees would love Merrifield’s team friendly contract and above league average bat plus versatility. Especially if all it takes to get him is a currently defensively challenged corner bat with questions about their pitch recognition and patience, and a player who served a suspension this year for domestic violence.
@khopper10
I like Whit but I like Andujar and German too. Since we need pitching trading German, domestic abuse or not, is and can be a good mid-rotation guy. Whit turns 31 in Jan and for whatever reason his SB ability seems to have diminished. 20 SB vs 10 CS?
A lot of stuff out there saying Atlanta should move for him. I’d rather see the Braves trade for Wilson Contreras to strengthen that catcher position. If you’re going to roll the dice on the 3B position, Andujar does not present any more certainty than internal options like Johan Camargo or Austin Riley at this point in his career.
You are right on point for Wilson Contreras a young catcher with a rocket for an arm and someone that can fortify the catching position for years to come in Atlanta but at what price do they pay though to get the Cubs to bite.
As for Miguel Andujar it is laugable at some suggesting Yankees should rid of him and sell low no team will sell their young ballplayer on a down year or lost year due to injury that is ridiculous especially if that young ballplayer had shown he has the bat skills to be kept in the major leagues that is why teams wait it out with these young kids like a Rafael Devers,you have to let them mature,
@Spare Tire Dixon
I could see Atlanta wanting to see Andujar play in 2020 to make sure he can return to 2018 form and the two you mentioned are better gloves but there’s no question that if Andujar recovers completely his bat is much better than either of the two you mentioned. Riley CAN improve like any other rookie but his rookie year of .226/.279/.471 with a similar walk rate (5.4 to 3.9) yet horrible k rate of 36% which is 20% higher than Andujar is far behind Andujar’s rookie year in 2018.
Camargo is 1 year older than Andular, had a lesser 2018 than him and seriously regressed last year and posted a 233/.279/.384 slash last year and was injured to.
I’m not expecting Andujar to be traded without seeing him on the field but I’m not to worried about his performance in 2020. It shouldn’t effect him since he’s had a ton of time to recuperate. Kemp and Upton Jr are the only two I can remember that struggled following a recovery from a torn labrum but they were already in their 30s and their hitting struggled in seasons prior to the surgery. .
Unless blown away- keep andujar. Neither Gio nor Andujar have a track record of more than one year of success and in Gio’s case his 3 prior years were pretty much useless.
There is plenty of room for both at the moment and healthy competition is good.
Miguel’s value is ridiculously overvalued by this site. Cashman saying teams have been calling on him was posturing. Defensively Limited coming off injury & low OBP? Not exactly the player teams covet. Maybe he can move to 1st Base, but teams have shown platooning that position over one designated guy is preferred. If you wanted to talk a fair trade?
How about to the Marlins for Trevor Rogers? Maybe Marlins throw in one of their MLB ready relievers for a prospect to make the deal palatable.
Or maybe a fit with the Rangers? Andujar for a pitching prospect.
@Socrates Curveball
Take the time to ho to fangraph and you will learn that 94 players had at least 300 AB with a defensive war of -5 or worse, many of them are guys that are playing because of their bats. The idea that Andujar wouldn’t have value with an .855 OPS and 80 extra base hits is insanely stupid. Nick Casttelanos is rated as the 8th best FA this winter predicted to sign for 4/$58 mil and you guys think Andujar has no market of teams that would want him and his 4 years of control? Just silly.
His low obp is 328 and with time that could easily rise as he learns the strike zone better. However there are very few players in the major leagues who could post a near 300 average with 74 extra base hits. Not only did Andujar do that he did that as a rookie.In comparison this year Bregman had 78 xbhs The teams you talked about would be coveting that and the obvious potential to be a big time power hitter.It’s easy to dwell on a low obp but that doesn’t begin to show Andujars value as a hitter.
No question he has talent and upside. But I wouldn’t count on OBA improvement. Could happen, but also possible that opposing coaches and pitchers find weaknesses to exploit. All the more reason for him to start 2020 in minors to work on pitch recognition and get his arm back.
Well while you might be right the fact that he hit so many extra base hits suggests he makes good contact often. In comparison while obviously Manny Machado is a far superior fielder and came up much earlier.I think there are similarities in the way they hit.In Machados first full year he hit 282 with a 314 obp 51 doubles and 14 hrs. InAndujars rookie year 297 ba 328 obp 47 doubles and 27 hrs. Both had a lot of extra base hits a very decent ba and a not so good obp. Since then Machados hr totals and obp have gone up. I have no reason to doubt the same for Andujar
The guy could end up an all star. No argument about the possibility. I grew up a Twins fan and Kirby Puckett was never known for his willingness to take a walk. But coming off an injury that jeopardizes his throwing ability leaves him with either working to prove his arm is ready to resume 3B play, or be trained at a new position. Neither of those options should be taking place at the major league level. And a year of rust will have to be worked out in the hitting mechanics and pitch recognition, as he sure didn’t do anything last year. Again, clean that up in the minors while evaluating future plans for Voit and Urshela. If Urshela continues his solid play, he creates a nice problem of who to trade once Andujar is ready, or he could become a super sub like Marwin Gonzalez.
@@Finlander
Andujar has been a high contact low strike out hitter his entire minor league career. It’s not that he doesn’t recognize pitches and strikes out. He puts them in play and hits the ball pretty hard. He has to learn to let the pitcher walk. He’s aggressive the same way Cano and Vlad Sr were. He could regress but i think he’s more likely to remain a above average contact hitter and if he can raise his 4.6% walk rate to 8 or 9% then you’re talking about a .290/.350 power hitter with a knack for 40-50 doubles and 25-30 homers. I don’t think those are far fetched numbers seeing as how he did it his 1st year. Being around professional hitters might help the process. Yanks seem to have a knack for fixing flaws in it’s hitters
Right now the Yanks have the third highest WAR as a team behind the Astros and Dodgers. They have won over 100 games the last 2 years. The only thing they need is a front line pitcher.
One ????
@crazylarry
ACE-Severino-Paxton-Tanaka-German with Happ and Montgomery on the outside looking in. Yeah…one. Severino is an ace who just needs to know it. His numbers have him as a top 5-10 pitcher in 2017-18
contact hitting bats too…..
That fried for andujar I liked, but I think it would be smart for the yankees to involve the cubs, they’ll be prospects but the main pieces are andujar to cubs, fried to ny, Bryant to atl
Brewers maybe? Young and controllable attracts the Brewers for sure.
Machado and Paddock for
Sanchez, Stanton, Garcia, German, Andujar, Frazier, Montgomery, Loaisiga, Happ and Ellsbury.
Yankees sign Grandal to replace Sanchez.
Preller hangs up the phone
One trade option to consider is trading Andujar to dump salary to make room for Cole.
@emac22
Andujar is pre-arb. He earns nothing in 2020.
Not really sure why people think Andujar is worth all that much. Dude without a position, a butcher when he plays, and his offense is of that hyper-aggressive, no-OBP type that no one wants anymore. He’s Kyle Schwarber without Schwarber’s patience at the plate. I don’t think he returns much more than a back end starter at best. Which, in the end, is probably why he hasn’t been traded (nothing to do with Cashman’s loyalty).
Same can be said for trade proposals here. Kluber cant stay healthy and when he is he’s more along a middle of the road pitcher now. Andujar can still be coached and has plenty of room to grow, Kluber has seen his best miles behind him! On paper Cleveland and NY are prime trade candidates if neither side over values their position. As far as Lindor is concerned, if the Indians want to hold him and get nothing in the end, that’s their prerogative. The smart move is move him while you already have another shortstop in the minors that you can bring up and let him learn. Fill out all the holes you have in your outfield and bullpen with the trade as well. Yankees have what the Indians covet and vice versa. Come together and kill all the nonsense with one move.
Baseballfreak, Who made you the expert on what the Indians should do?
The Indians have several shortstop prospects, but they are all very young and not ready for MLB. Their top middle infielder prospect played at high A. and is not ready. You have very little knowledge of the Indians and their organization.
As for the Indians and Yankees being prime trade candidates, I just do not see it.. What the Yankees will be willing to trade, Andujar, Frazier, and prospects, do not fit the needs of the Cleveland Indians. What the Indians will want, the Yankees will say no. You talk about each side not overvaluing their positions, I suggest that is what you are doing with the Yankees.
If the Cleveland Indians make Francisco Lindor available, the Indians will set their price and not vary from it. I don’t see two DHs being what that the Indians would want. There will be no deal between the Yankees and Indians regarding Francisco Lindor.
Better to deal with the team with the most immediate ready talent, and by far better overall talent…Dodgers
That I can agree with. It’s fairly obvious that Indians fans over value their few trade candidates. They have no leverage with Kluber as I’ve covered. They’re losing their leverage with Lindor because he’s sick of playing for Cleveland. They basically need to get whatever they can out of these two while they can. Their horrendous outfield could be the first place to start. Frazier and Andujar are both young and could easily be coached by Francona. Hell, he put Manny Ramirez in left field even when he couldn’t hardly move and got him to play. Dodgers would be an even better trade though. They both have players coveted by each other and they would neither overplay their hands. I like your way of thinking cereal.
They’re looking for salary relief to sum up you question and with Kluber eating up a lot of it, you can trade him and get a coach able 3b that you obviously don’t have a clue about. Manny Machado certainly didn’t begin his career as an elite fielder. He was coached and given room to grow into it. But since the Indians want an elite 3b, how about Urshela and Adams for Lindor and Kluber? That’s about what you’re going to get in that swap. Kluber is exactly what I said he is, wrong side of 30 and an injury risk. The only bonus the Yankees get is a perennial all star SS for an elite 3b. Maybe we throw in an outfield prospect to fill in your horrid holes out there. Done deal and both sides smile thinking they got what they want. Cleveland is in the same boat as Miami as far Lindor is concerned. Either get it while you can or lose that window of opportunity like you did with Kluber. It’s your decision. But regardless, we’ve seen how Cleveland can blow their many opportunities. Yankees don’t really have to trade unless they want to free up more room for free spending. They could just sign Cole and Wheeler which I don’t think they’ve totally ruled out, and let Cleveland settle their mess elsewhere. Trade Andujar, Frazier and whichever 1b you can get value out of and win the World Series and replenish your farm a little in these trades to hopefully make a run at a dynasty. That would be logical thinking on all fronts though.
Baseball Freak,
You are an absolute moron if you think Urshela and Adams get Lindor and Kluber. You are not worth discussing baseball with because you obviously know very little. Go do your homework. Your bedtime is coming soon.
@Baseballfreak
Dude….cmon bruh. Urshella and Adams wouldn’t get us anyone comparable to Lindor. Besides, Yanks aren’t going to trade top prospects (not saying Gio or Adams are prospects) for Lindor or any other SS. They are better off bringing back Didi or moving Torre to SS. Yanks have a few lower level prospects that will have some top 100 love in 2020 if they continue to progress. Sadly, if a prospect isn’t on a top 100 list then these ppl don’t see them as prospects. Pretty subjective bull imo.
Why would they trade him when his value is down?
Trade Urshela. He won’t repeat his career year. His trade value will never be higher. Torres should be moved to 3B. He’s not a good defensive SS. Bring back DiDi. He’s elite defensively, and this team needs better defense. LeMahieu back to his natural 2B. And Andujar should be training this offseason for 1B. His throws were the primary cause of his errors. That can be covered up at 1B.
What do you do with Voit? I say trade Urshela while his value is at its highest and keep the infield how it was last year: DJLM bouncing around and giving everyone rest but still providing high quality defense, Didi at SS, Gleyber at 2B, Voit at 1B, Andujar at 3B
Yankees fans: we need high contact hitters!!
Also Yankees fans: lets trade Andujar!!!
@Begamin
So on point. I don’t get the rationale of some Yankee fans. Never satisfied with what we have. At least keep what you have until something better comes along. Considering Stanton’s health we might have a need for a replacement and we might have AB for Gio at 3B and Andujar at DH. After all, we did acquire EE and Moralres to replace Stanton when he was injured. Yanks shouldn’t be in a rush to trade away their depth unless there’s a reason to. Right now Andujar and Urshela are both cheap with years of control left. .
gents- I’m not sure people are quite saying that these two things are mutually exclusive
I think there is a general statement which is true about the yanks needing more DJ types and less reliance on the strikeout of homer mentality.as defined by stanton, judge, sanchez, voigt, EE etc…
At the same time there are people questioning whether or not to trade miggy. This is based on several factors; need, injuries, value, confidence in Gio….
personally, i’d keep him unless offered something you can’t refuse.
You know it’s funny. Yankee fans and Red Sox fans hold a rivalry towards each other but have the same perspective of their team. Why would you trade a promising young talent and keep an older veteran that’s about to hit his fall. I’d keep Andujar and forget last season. He had 49 plate attempts. He costs a tenth of Stantons salary and played almost as much. If I were in the front office I’d dump Stanton and Gio while they hold value. Get some pitching prospects because you have hitters for decades. As Andujars defense goes, he’s still a kid. Work on him.
This is what the Yankees do I been tired of it for years. They keep old men into their late 30’s
Andujar needs to show his hitting skills remain intact post the surgery and Urshela needs to show 2019 wasn’t a fluke before a trade can be considered.
Andujar would be a great get for the Braves depending on the price
Big mistake if we traded him Gio had a great season but he has never hit like that and I don’t think he will keep it up. So we need to keep Miggy just for insurance send him to Triple A and see if Gio can do it and if he can’t call up Miggy and have Gio replace him for defense late in the games
Andujar is a high-caliber big league hitter and it would be foolish to send him to AAA, He could be one of the premier right-handed batters for the next decade, somebody like Vlad. I have little doubt that Urshela will continue to hit well, it is pretty obvious that the light went on last year, so the problem is where to play Andujar. As much as I like Voit I think Andujar’s hitting is going to be far superior so I see him as out first baseman if he can learn the position. The idea that he should be judged on his performance in 2019 when he played injured is silly, considering what we saw in 2018. He deserves a chance in the Yankee lineup before thinking trade.