Yankees: 3 Miguel Andujar trades that make sense

Could the Yankees look to trade Miguel Andujar?

It’s truly baffling how much can change in two years. At this point in 2018, Yankees slugger Miguel Andujar had established himself as one of the best young players in MLB, and came just short of taking home AL Rookie of the Year honors.

Following Wednesday’s doubleheader, however, New York announced that they optioned the 25-year-old to the club’s alternate training site in Scranton amid his recent struggles. The Yankees’ roster is obviously one of the deepest in baseball, and the emergence of Gio Urshela as the starting third baseman has made it extremely difficult for Andujar to break into the lineup.

In five games this season, the Dominican Republic native is batting .071 (1-for-14) with three strikeouts. Without a real position in the field, it seems as though Andujar is trying to do too much at the plate to prove that he’s worthy of an everyday role.

Whatever is causing the young stud’s woes, his demotion was a glaring indicator on where his overall value stands a year after shoulder surgery last year, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees look to trade him to bolster other areas of need. With this in mind, let’s highlight a few potential packages that could appease New York.

3. Andujar to the Tigers

Could the Yankees deal Miguel Andujar to Detroit?

Though their rebuilding project seems to be proceeding ahead of schedule, the Detroit Tigers are still another two years away from trying to contend, and they could really use a few cornerstone sluggers to build around 2020 No. 1 overall selection Spencer Torkelson

Detroit’s farm system is rich with pitching talent, so the club could afford to part ways with a young hurler. A package comprised of left-hander Joey Wentz — the Tigers’ No. 10 prospect, according to MLB.com — as well as second baseman Kody Clemens (No. 21 overall) should be enough to get a deal done here.

The Yankees farm system, as lauded as it is throughout the league, really lacks left-handed pitching. While adding a young gun like Wentz won’t fix the issue outright, it will go a long way in helping the cause. Who says no?

2. Andujar to the Cubs

Let’s send Miguel Andujar to a red-hot Chicago team, shall we?

The Yankees have a history of striking deals with the Chicago Cubs, so we see no reason as to why they wouldn’t entertain the prospect of running it back.

After all, New York absolutely fleeced them in the famous Gleyber Torres-Aroldis Chapman deal back in 2018.

In this scenario, however, general manager Brian Cashman could look to poach either southpaw Burl Carraway, the Cubs’ No. 11 ranked youngster, or right-hander Cory Abbott (No. 13). Assuming that the Yanks would ask for two top 25 prospects, Chicago might be willing to jettison lefty Justin Steele (No. 24 overall). Andujar’s shine has come off a bit, but, well … not that much.

The trade rumors surrounding Kris Bryant have simmered in recent months, but that door will always be open. Should the Cubs pull the trigger, Andujar could slot in as their third baseman of the future.

No matter where he plays, Miggy would make for a perfect fit in Chicago’s lineup.

1. Andujar to the Braves

Bottom line, the Yankees have to send Miguel Andujar somewhere he can contribute.

Outside of Gerrit Cole and Jordan Montgomery, the Yankees starting rotation is in shambles. James Paxton’s looks like a shell of his 2019 self after offseason back surgery and JA Happ owns a 10.29 ERA through two starts.

Though New York’s farm system has slew of talented hurlers, most of them — other than Clarke Schmidt, if we’re being honest — still need a year or two before they can be trusted on the big stage. You can never have too much pitching, and the Yanks could look to exploit the Atlanta Braves’ sheer abundance of talented young arms.

There’s zero chance that Atlanta parts ways with Ian Anderson or Kyle Wright, but the club could be convinced to unload left-hander Tucker Davidson, who MLB.com ranks as the Braves’ No. 10 overall prospect. New York could look to include any one of Atlanta’s 21 through 23 ranked youngsters:  third baseman CJ Alexander, first baseman Bryce Ball or outfielder Greyson Jenista.

Tucker Davidson would be a quality addition for the Yankees.

The Braves’ offense is firing on all cylinders right now, but you have to think that it will feel the loss of Josh Donaldson, who left in free agency this offseason, at some point. Andujar would simply be a perfect long-term fit alongside the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies.