With Todd Frazier signing a two year deal with the New York Mets, this signals that Miguel Andujar has a legitimate chance to be the New York Yankees opening day third baseman. Andujar has spent 6 season in the New York Yankee “Farm System”. Throughout that time Andujar has put up some very respectable numbers. Including last season across Double and Triple A, Andujar had a combined slash line of .315/.352/.498. While in the utmost of brief appearances in the Majors (5 games) Andujar had 4 hits in 7 at bats and compiled a slash line of .571/.625/.857. Now obviously it is the smallest of small sample sizes but with Frazier moving across town Andujar will get his shot.
Baseball reference projects Andujar to have 204 PA, 182 AB, 25 R, 50 H, 7 HR, 28 RBI, .275/.348/.462 BA/OBP/SLG%. While FanGraphs Steamers projects 346 PA, 319 AB, 41 R, 85 H, 11 HR, 43 RBI, .266/.311/.426 BA/OBP/SLG%. These to projection models have a large range of potential outcomes bases on the number of games played. Regardless of your prefered method of projection Anduajr will be a productive member of the 2018 New York Yankees roster. Andujar is said to have a bat that is ready to play in the Major Leagues right now. A silver slugger quality hitting ability. The question is, has been and will continue to be (until proven otherwise) can Andujar field his position at third base ?
Andujar may never be a Gold Glove caliber fielder, however he has the ability to be close to league average. A league average defender with an above league average bat is a solid Major League contributor. The Yankees have arguably one of the best teachers in baseball still involved with the organization in Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod a natural shortstop made the transition to third base and thus can help Miguel with improving his defense. The Yankees have shown that they believe in Miguel by not going after free agents like Todd Frazier or Mike Moustakas. They have chosen to put their faith in the soon to be 23 year old. So it will be up to Miguel Andujar to prove that the Yankees made the right call.
