Miguel Andujar is heading west, inking a one-year, $4 million deal with the San Diego Padres-a move that makes a lot more sense than a potential reunion with the New York Yankees ever did.
Yes, the Yankees are still in the market for a right-handed bat as spring training looms. But when you take a closer look at the roster construction, especially in the outfield, Andujar was never a clean fit. Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones bring far more defensive polish to left field, and while Jasson Dominguez is still developing, his glove work in 2025-marked by minus-9 Outs Above Average-left plenty to be desired.
Andujar’s own defensive limitations are well-documented, especially at third base. That’s part of the reason he’s no longer seen as a viable option at the hot corner.
The Yankees saw it firsthand during his time in the Bronx from 2017 to 2022. Meanwhile, Ryan McMahon offers elite glove work at third-he’s a legitimate Gold Glove-caliber defender whose presence becomes even more valuable in tight, late-game situations.
Simply put, McMahon’s defense is a game-changer. Andujar’s?
Not so much.
Still, it’s worth remembering just how electric Andujar was when he first arrived in the Bronx. Back in 2018, he looked like the next cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup.
He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting-only behind Shohei Ohtani-and shattered Joe DiMaggio’s franchise record for most doubles by a rookie with 47. That season was a glimpse of a player who could hit for average, power, and do damage in the middle of a lineup.
Now 30, Andujar still has plenty of gas in the tank. Last season, splitting time between the Athletics and Reds, he slashed .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and kept his strikeouts in check with a 14.4% K rate. That’s the kind of production that can help a club-especially one like the Padres, who are looking for affordable bats with upside and a bit of positional flexibility.
While a Bronx reunion might’ve tugged at some nostalgic heartstrings, San Diego is simply a better baseball fit. The Padres can plug Andujar into a lineup that needs depth and could benefit from a steady right-handed presence. He won’t need to carry the offense, but he can certainly contribute to it.
For Andujar, it’s a fresh start in a new city. For the Yankees, it’s a reminder that sometimes, moving on is the right call-even when the memories still linger.