Yankees: It’s time for Miguel Andujar to shine at third base

With Todd Frazier signing with the Mets, the Yankees need to look no further than top prospect Miguel Andujar to control the hot corner in 2018.

It was announced on Monday night that fan favorite Todd Frazier had signed a two-year deal with the cross-town rival New York Mets, crushing news to most Yankees fans who wanted “The Toddfather” back in the Bronx next season.

The Yanks were not willing to go two years for Frazier due to Manny Machado being a free agent after this season as well as top prospect Miguel Andujar waiting in the wings for his shot to start at third base.

According to MLB Pipeline, the third baseman ranks as New York’s fifth-best prospect as well as being listed as the fourth-best third base prospect in all of MLB.

One of the main skills of Andujar’s that impresses scouts is his raw power and his ability to put the bat on the ball. He makes consistent hard contact but sometimes swings too hard which results in more swings and misses and lowers his average.

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In 125 games in 2017, split between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton, Andujar sported a .315/.352/.498 slash line with 16 home runs and 82 RBI. His ability to get on base is indeed something that could be improved upon, but it will come as he gains more experience against professional pitchers.

While his bat is nice, Andujar’s cannon at the hot corner is the primary asset that many scouts believe is his best.

However, despite having immense arm strength, the third baseman does not have the quickest of hands or the most dependable glove, which is something he will need to work on to become the Yankees’ everyday third baseman.

Andujar got his first taste of major league ball last season when he played five games for the Bronx Bombers. In his major league debut on June 28, Andujar went 3-for-4 with four RBI and a stolen base. This would be his only game with New York until being called back up on September 16.

In his tiny sample size, Andujar did prove that he could handle major league pitching and surely looks like he could be a dependable addition to the Yankees’ infield in 2018.

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Todd Frazier signing with the Mets might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees because now they get to give Andujar a real shot and determine whether or not he can hold the keys to future of the hot corner in the Bronx.