SAN DIEGO,– As the Padres continue to explore cost-conscious roster upgrades, free agent Miguel Andújar has emerged as a name worth monitoring from San Diego’s perspective. The 31-year-old corner infielder/outfielder is drawing interest from several clubs, but his profile aligns particularly well with what the Padres may be seeking: right-handed offense, positional flexibility, and a short-term contract.
Andújar is coming off his strongest season in several years, splitting time between Oakland and Cincinnati after a midseason trade. Despite missing over a month with an oblique injury, he made a clear impact when on the field.
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His offensive approach is straightforward: lots of contact, limited swing-and-miss, and a willingness to put the ball in play early in counts. While he does not walk much, he also avoids strikeouts, allowing his bat speed and line-drive approach to drive production.
From a Padres standpoint, the most attractive aspect of Andújar’s game is his performance against left-handed pitching. He has consistently excelled in those matchups throughout his career, and that strength was even more pronounced last season.
The Padres currently project to rotate players like Jake Cronenworth, Sung Mun Song, and Gavin Sheets across those spots. Adding Andújar could give manager Craig Stammen another matchup-based option, particularly against tough left-handed starters in the division.
While Andújar is not known for defensive excellence, his ability to handle all four corner positions provides enough versatility to make him workable in a part-time role.
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Financially, Andújar fits the Padres’ reality. San Diego has been navigating payroll limitations and competitive balance tax considerations for multiple seasons, often opting for shorter-term deals rather than splashy commitments.
There is also upside beyond pure production. If Andújar performs well in a defined role, he could become either a steady contributor or a potential trade chip at the deadline, depending on where the Padres stand in the playoff picture.
That kind of optionality is valuable for a club balancing competitiveness with financial caution.
While Andújar is not a transformative addition, he checks several boxes for San Diego. As the Padres look to round out their roster without overextending resources, a short-term investment in a proven right-handed bat like Andújar could quietly pay dividends over the course of the 2026 season.