Miguel Andújar is a talented baseball player who made his debut with the New York Yankees in 2017. He quickly gained recognition for his strong offensive performance during his rookie season in 2018.
However, his future as the Yankees’ third baseman became uncertain following the emergence of Gio Urshela.
In this blog post, we will explore whether Miguel Andújar is a future third baseman for the New York Yankees.
We will examine his early career with the Yankees, the emergence of Gio Urshela, Andújar’s potential as a third baseman, the Yankees’ current third base situation, and ultimately provide a final opinion on Andújar’s future with the team.
Miguel andújar’s Early Career With the Yankees
Miguel Andújar’s rookie season with the New York Yankees in 2018 was highly impressive. He played in 149 games and had a batting average of .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Andújar’s strong offensive performance earned him a second-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
However, Andújar’s 2019 season was marred by injuries. He struggled with a shoulder injury early in the season and missed several games before returning to the field in May.
Unfortunately, he re-aggravated his injury and was placed on the injured list in June. Andújar attempted to return to the team in September, but he aggravated the injury again and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery.
As a result, he played in only 12 games in the 2019 season and finished with a batting average of .128.
In 2020, Andújar played in 21 games during the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He had a batting average of .242 with 1 home run and 5 RBIs.
While Andújar struggled to find his offensive rhythm in 2020, his limited playing time may have contributed to his lack of consistency at the plate.
Overall, Andújar’s early career with the Yankees has been marked by impressive offensive performances, marred by injuries in 2019, and a lack of consistency in 2020.
While his offensive potential is undeniable, his ability to stay healthy and consistently produce at the plate will likely determine his future with the Yankees.
The Emergence of Gio Urshela
In 2019, the Yankees acquired Gio Urshela from the Toronto Blue Jays. Urshela quickly established himself as a valuable player for the team, playing in 132 games and hitting .314 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.
His strong performance continued into the 2020 season, during which he hit .298 with 6 home runs and 30 RBIs in 43 games. Urshela’s solid play at third base also made him an important asset on defense.
Urshela’s emergence as a key player for the Yankees ultimately led to him becoming the team’s starting third baseman.
His strong offensive performance and reliable defense at third base made him the clear choice over Andújar, who was still recovering from injury and struggling with inconsistency at the plate.
The Yankees’ confidence in Urshela was further solidified by his strong performance in the 2020 postseason, during which he hit .308 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs.
The emergence of Urshela had a significant impact on Andújar’s future with the Yankees. With Urshela firmly entrenched as the team’s starting third baseman, Andújar’s opportunities for playing time at the position became limited.
The Yankees began to experiment with Andújar in left field, but his defensive struggles and the emergence of other outfield options on the team made it difficult for him to establish himself as a regular in the outfield.
While Andújar’s offensive potential makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees, the emergence of Urshela as a reliable starter at third base has made it difficult for him to find a regular role on the team.
Ultimately, the future of Andújar with the Yankees will depend on his ability to adapt and contribute in other positions or if the Yankees decide to trade him for a positional need.
Andújar’s Potential as a Third Baseman
Miguel Andújar has shown potential as a third baseman both offensively and defensively. In terms of his defensive abilities, Andújar’s fielding percentage at third base in his rookie season was .948, with 15 errors committed.
While his defensive skills were not elite, his athleticism and strong arm allowed him to make impressive plays in the field. However, in the limited playing time he had in 2020, he showed improvement with a fielding percentage of .960.
Offensively, Andújar has shown impressive potential as a hitter. His strong performance in 2018 showcased his ability to hit for power and average, with 27 home runs and a batting average of .297. Andújar’s high contact rate and ability to consistently put the ball in play make him a valuable asset in the lineup.
The question for the Yankees is whether Andújar’s potential as a third baseman is worth investing in. While his offensive skills are impressive, his defensive abilities have been a cause for concern.
Additionally, with the emergence of Gio Urshela as a reliable starter at third base, Andújar’s opportunities for playing time at the position have become limited.
However, it is worth noting that Andújar is still young and has the potential to improve defensively with experience and coaching. His offensive potential also makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees, even if he is not a regular starter at third base.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in Andújar’s potential as a third baseman will depend on the Yankees’ evaluation of his defensive abilities and their long-term plans for the position.
The Yankees’ Current Third Base Situation
Gio Urshela is currently the Yankees’ starting third baseman and has continued to perform well in the 2021 season. Through mid-April, Urshela is hitting .292 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs, while also providing solid defense at third base.
His consistent play and strong offensive and defensive skills make him a valuable asset for the team.
Tyler Wade and DJ LeMahieu are potential backup options for the Yankees at third base. While both players have primarily played other positions, they have seen playing time at third base in the past.
Wade has shown versatility as a utility player and has played solid defense at third base in limited opportunities. LeMahieu, a former Gold Glove winner at second base, has also shown the ability to play third base at a high level.
Given the current situation at third base, Andújar’s place on the Yankees’ roster is uncertain. While his offensive potential makes him a valuable asset, his defensive struggles at third base have limited his opportunities for playing time.
Andújar has shown some versatility by playing in left field, but the emergence of other outfield options on the team makes it difficult for him to establish himself as a regular in the outfield as well.
Ultimately, whether Andújar has a place on the Yankees’ roster as a third baseman will depend on his ability to improve defensively and adapt to other positions.
While Urshela is firmly entrenched as the starting third baseman, there is always a need for depth and flexibility on a roster. If Andújar can continue to develop his skills and show versatility, he may have a place on the team as a valuable bench player and occasional starter.
Compares the offensive and defensive statistics of Miguel Andújar and Gio Urshela:
| Statistic | Miguel Andújar (career) | Gio Urshela (career) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .277 | .277 |
| On-Base Percentage | .306 | .316 |
| Slugging Percentage | .467 | .431 |
| Home Runs | 34 | 30 |
| RBIs | 125 | 145 |
| Fielding Percentage (3B) | .951 | .973 |
| Errors (3B) | 23 | 12 |
The table compares the career offensive statistics of Andújar and Urshela, including their batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, and RBIs.
It also compares their defensive statistics at third base, including their fielding percentage and errors committed. The purpose of the table is to provide a quick and easy way to compare the two players and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other positions has Andújar played besides third base?
Andújar has also played left field for the Yankees, showing some versatility as an outfielder.
Will the Yankees consider trading Andújar?
It is always a possibility that the Yankees could trade Andújar if they feel that it is in the best interest of the team. However, it would depend on the offers they receive and their evaluation of his potential as a player.
Could Andújar be moved to a different position?
It is possible that the Yankees could move Andújar to a different position, such as first base or designated hitter, if they feel that his defensive struggles at third base are too significant to overcome. However, it would depend on his ability to adapt to a new position and the team’s need for players at those positions.
Has Andújar worked on improving his defense?
Andújar has reportedly worked on improving his defense, including working with infield coach Phil Nevin during spring training. However, his defensive struggles at third base have still limited his playing time.
Could Andújar be sent down to the minor leagues?
It is possible that the Yankees could send Andújar down to the minor leagues if they feel that he needs more time to develop his skills or work on his defense. However, it would depend on their evaluation of his progress and the team’s need for players at his position.
To Recap
Miguel Andújar has shown potential as a third baseman for the New York Yankees. His offensive skills, including his ability to hit for power and average, make him a valuable asset in the lineup.
However, his defensive abilities at third base have been a cause for concern, and the emergence of Gio Urshela as a reliable starter at the position has limited Andújar’s opportunities for playing time.
The Yankees’ current situation at third base with Urshela as the starter and potential backup options like Tyler Wade and DJ LeMahieu leaves Andújar’s place on the roster uncertain.
However, with Andújar’s versatility and potential to improve defensively, he may still have a place on the team as a valuable bench player and occasional starter.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in Andújar’s potential as a third baseman will depend on the Yankees’ evaluation of his defensive abilities and their long-term plans for the position.
