Could Miguel Andújar Be the Yankees’ Right-Handed Answer Off the Bench?
The Yankees are in a curious spot as spring training looms. They’ve spent the offseason reshaping their outfield and adding firepower, but one lingering question remains: who fills that right-handed bench bat role? According to insider Joel Sherman, the Yankees may be eyeing a familiar face for the job - Miguel Andújar.
Yes, that Miguel Andújar. The same one who once looked like the next big thing in the Bronx, only to see his star fade after a mix of injuries, defensive struggles, and a crowded infield picture. Now, a few years removed from his unceremonious exit, Andújar could be on the verge of a reunion with the team that once DFA’d him without much ceremony in late 2022.
Andújar’s Resurgence
Let’s be clear: Andújar can still hit. Last season, splitting time between the A’s and Reds, he put together one of the best offensive campaigns of his career.
He hit .318 with an .822 OPS - a mark that was 25% above league average. That’s not just a bounce-back; that’s a reminder of what made him the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up.
Against left-handed pitching, he was even more lethal. In 2024, he posted a .411 average and a .995 OPS against southpaws.
The year before? .986 OPS with a .389 average. Those are elite splits, and for a Yankees team that could use a righty bat to balance the lineup, that’s not something to overlook.
The Domínguez Dilemma
All of this comes at a time when the Yankees are still figuring out what to do with Jasson Domínguez. The former top prospect - once dubbed the “next Mickey Mantle” - is working his way back from injury and could find himself on the outside looking in when the season begins. The team has explored multiple options to replace him, and if he ends up riding the bench, it raises some uncomfortable parallels to Andújar’s own journey.
Both were hyped arrivals. Both had moments of brilliance.
Both saw their ascents derailed by injuries. And both, oddly enough, found themselves shuffled to left field in an attempt to keep their bats in the lineup.
Now, Domínguez may be in need of a fresh start, while Andújar - who already got one - could be the one to take his place.
Fit and Function
Andújar’s defense still leaves plenty to be desired. His 2025 campaign, despite the offensive fireworks, was worth just 0.8 bWAR - a clear sign that his glove continues to drag down his overall value. But if the Yankees are already considering carrying a glove-challenged Domínguez on the roster, why not lean into offense and go with the more proven bat?
Andújar also brings a bit more versatility. While his primary home is in the outfield these days, he can still take some reps on the infield dirt in a pinch. That might overlap with Amed Rosario’s role, but it gives manager Aaron Boone some flexibility - especially if the Yankees are looking to maximize matchups late in games.
What’s Changed?
Of course, the elephant in the room is how things ended between Andújar and the Yankees. After requesting a trade in June 2022 and being ignored, he was designated for assignment later that year. It felt like a messy breakup - one where both sides were ready to move on.
But time has a way of changing things. Andújar has rebuilt his value, and the Yankees are suddenly in need of exactly what he provides: a right-handed bat with pop, especially against lefties.
According to Sherman, there are voices in the Yankees’ front office who still “love” the player. The question is whether Andújar is willing to entertain a return - and whether the Yankees are ready to admit they might’ve let go of something valuable too soon.
Other Options… But None Like Him
Sherman also mentioned a handful of other names the Yankees are considering: Alex Jackson, Edmundo Sosa, Austin Martin, Ramón Laureano, Tyler Stephenson, and Mark Vientos. While each offers something unique, none bring the same combination of offensive upside and familiarity that Andújar does.
Laureano might be the closest comparison in terms of experience and skill set, but he doesn’t have the same recent production. The others are either unproven or don’t fit quite as neatly into the Yankees’ current needs.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about fit.
Miguel Andújar is one of the last high-upside right-handed bats left on the market, and he’s available for cash alone. For a team with championship aspirations and a bench spot to fill, that’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.
The Yankees once moved on from Andújar without much hesitation. Now, with the tables turned, they might be the ones hoping for a second chance.