Could a Miguel Andujar Reunion Make Sense for the Yankees?
The Yankees are still on the hunt for a right-handed bat with some positional flexibility-preferably someone who can handle corner outfield duties and maybe chip in at first base. And while there are a few names floating around in free agency, one stands out for both performance and familiarity: Miguel Andujar.
Yes, that Miguel Andujar.
The former Yankee is still available, and his bat-especially against left-handed pitching-might be exactly what the Bronx Bombers need to round out their bench.
What Andujar Brings to the Table
Let’s start with the obvious: Miguel Andujar can hit lefties. Over the last three seasons, he’s posted a .374/.406/.560 slash line against southpaws.
That’s not just solid-it’s impact-level production in a platoon role. His 121 wRC+ in those matchups backs it up, showing he’s been well above average when it comes to punishing left-handed pitching.
Defensively, he’s not going to win any Gold Gloves, but he can hold his own in left field and has experience at first base. That kind of versatility-while not elite-gives the Yankees some flexibility late in games or when injuries inevitably pop up.
And let’s not forget: he’s played left field at Yankee Stadium before. He knows the environment, he knows the expectations, and he knows what it's like to wear the pinstripes. That familiarity could make the transition seamless if the Yankees decide to bring him back.
How He Compares to Other Options
The Yankees have been linked to several right-handed bats this offseason, including Paul Goldschmidt, Austin Slater, and Randal Grichuk. Each comes with their own strengths and question marks.
Goldschmidt is the most established of the group and still hits the ball hard with strong plate discipline. But he’s also older and comes with some risk of decline.
Slater is probably the best defender of the bunch and has played both outfield and first base, but his bat has taken a step back in recent seasons. His expected OPS against lefties remains promising, but there’s concern about declining bat speed and reduced impact at the plate since 2023.
Grichuk offers some pop and experience, but his overall value might not be that much higher than what Andujar could bring in a more limited role.
Andujar’s expected numbers show some signs of overperformance-his .418 BABIP against lefties over the last three years is unusually high and not likely to hold-but even when you adjust for that, the underlying metrics are still strong. His .764 expected OPS vs. LHP over that span edges out players like Amed Rosario, who’s also known for hitting lefties well.
What makes Andujar especially intriguing is his approach at the plate. He’s aggressive, makes a lot of contact, and doesn’t give away at-bats. For a team looking to wear down opposing bullpens and force pitchers into high-stress counts, that kind of profile has real value-even in a part-time role.
What Might Stand in the Way
Of course, it all comes down to cost and opportunity.
Andujar made $5 million on a one-year deal with the A’s last season, and he might be in line for a raise. If his asking price climbs too far above the alternatives, the Yankees may pivot to a cheaper option like Slater or Grichuk, especially if they're focused on maximizing value in a bench spot.
There's also the chance that Andujar is eyeing a starting job elsewhere. We’ve seen players in similar situations-like Austin Hays signing with the White Sox-opt for a bigger role on a rebuilding team rather than take a bench spot on a contender.
But if the market cools and the Yankees can land him at the right number? This could be a smart, low-risk move with real upside.
Bottom Line
Miguel Andujar isn’t a splashy name at this stage in his career, but he fits what the Yankees are looking for: a right-handed hitter who can mash lefties, play multiple positions in a pinch, and bring a professional approach to the plate. Add in his familiarity with the organization, and there’s a compelling case to be made for a reunion in the Bronx.
If the price is right, this could be one of those under-the-radar signings that pays off in October.