Why Padres’ Miguel Andujar was a bad offseason fit with Yankees originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Despite rumors, the New York Yankees never seemed like a good fit for Miguel Andujar, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
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Although they are searching for a right-handed hitter before spring training, Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones are much better defenders in left field. The same cannot be said for Jasson Dominguez, who had minus-9 outs above average in 2025.
Andujar’s struggles defensively at third base are one of the reasons he no longer spends much time at the corner infield position. The Yankees learned that firsthand during his tenure with the club from 2017-22. Plus, Ryan McMahon is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman whose glove work is especially valuable late in the game.
A once-promising Yankees prospect
Andujar looked like the next big thing in the Yankees lineup in 2018. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Shohei Ohtani, breaking Joe DiMaggio’s franchise record for doubles hit in a season by a rookie with 47.
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At 30, there’s still plenty of time for Andujar to provide value as a bench bat or in the heart of an order. He hit .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and a 14.4% strikeout rate with the Athletics and Cincinnati Reds last season.
A reunion with the Yankees would’ve been nostalgic and fun, but Andujar is better suited for San Diego’s roster.
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