Yankees: Miguel Andujar is the third baseman of the future

It is almost time for New York Yankees baseball. Despite a particular free agent still out there that plays the hot corner, Miguel Andujar should be the everyday third baseman in 2019 and beyond.

Just under 50 days until Opening Day for the Yankees, crunch time is almost upon us. Spring Training will be fully underway on February 19, and there are still many that wonder about the players manning the corners.

Previously, I made an argument about first base for the upcoming season and went into detail about free agents that can still be signed. I also looked internally at the farm system, describing what each prospect brings to the table if given the chance of promotion. And finally, I gave my take on who should be given the go-ahead come March 28 and be named the everyday first baseman.

But now, let’s take a look at the other side of the infield — the hot corner. Miguel Andujar was the runner up for the AL Rookie of the Year last season and was a pivotal piece to the Yankees success. Andujar hit .297 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs, yet he finished behind the mostly injured Shohei Ohtani for ROY.

It was also a history-making year for Andujar, as he broke Joe DiMaggio’s record for most doubles as a rookie in Yankee history (47). Andujar finished 2018 with 76 XBH, which was good enough for 12th in baseball.

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Come Opening Day, not only for 2019 but the foreseeable future, Andujar should be the everyday third baseman for the New York Yankees.

Now, before I go any further, Manny Machado is still a free agent, despite recent reports that the Yanks offered him a seven or eight-year deal worth $220 million, perhaps as late as December. There is no denying that Machado is the better player, both offensively and defensively. However, the contract that Machado likely desires is outside what the Yankees can afford following the signing of utility infielder D.J. LeMahieu (two-years, $24M).

With players like Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres and Gary Sanchez becoming arbitration eligible in 2020, general manager Brian Cashman may already be concerned about the franchise’s future salary commitments.

Miguel Andujar offers a much simpler and cheaper solution, and can still be a positive for the Yanks. Although he’ll too be facing arbitration in 2020, his contract won’t be nearly as much as what Machado will receive in 2019 and beyond.

With Machado’s agent rumored to be lobbying teams for a $300 million deal still, the answer should be simple — let Andujar work out his issues in the field and give him time to prove himself, once again.

This offseason, Andujar has been working on just that. Defensive issues, especially throwing accuracy have always plagued him — minor leagues included. Yankee fans are no strangers to hearing about Andujar’s woes at third, but it is the only thing holding him back from being an All-Star in this, his second professional season.

If Andujar’s glove and arm can match up to his bat, he could be a force in the AL East for year’s to come.