This Unsung NY Yankee Requested a Trade, and Deserves One Soon

No matter what he seems to do, Miguel Andujar just can't seem to stick around.

In his most recent stint with the New York Yankees, the Dominican Republic native played in 12 games, and had 43 total at-bats from April 26th through May 23rd. Not only that, but he hit .290 in the month of May, and played in every one of his team's games from May 24th through June 3rd.

And yet, he was sent back down to Triple-A, and it appears as though this demotion was Andujar's last straw.

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NY Yankees' Andujar Requests Trade After Demotion to Minors

As reported by multiple sources, including a story by ESPN, New York Yankees' utility player Miguel Andujar has officially requested a trade from the franchise.

Andujar was signed as an amateur free agent in July of 2011, and played two seasons of rookie ball to begin his career in the Yankees' organization. He ascended through the minor league ranks from 2014 on, making his Major League debut in 2017, predominantly playing third base.

Then, in 2018, Andujar burst onto the scene, hitting .297 with 27 home runs as a 23 year old, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting that season. He hit a rough patch in 2019, hitting .128 in 12 games while trying to overcome injuries, and eventually, he was replaced at third base by Gio Urshela.

From that point on, he's never found a home in the team's starting lineup.

That's not for lack of trying, however, as Andujar has performed well in fill-in roles over the past three seasons, and has even learned to play left field in order to increase his chance of getting playing time in The Bronx. That hasn't been enough to keep him around for the long-term, however, and now, Andujar has put in his official request to be moved out of town.

In my mind, the Yankees should honor this request. He was outstanding as a rookie, and hasn't been given a good chance to replicate his success since that point. Despite that, he's answered the call at every turn, and has proven to be a strong Major Leaguer.

If he's not part of your long-term plans, you owe it to Miguel Andujar to allow him to succeed elsewhere, and recoup an asset that can be part of your plans.

What Happens if Andujar is Traded from the Yankees?

If you do end up trading Miguel Andujar, it will take away a valuable part of your organizational depth. Does the team have enough to fill the gap?

In a word, probably. Your current starting outfield, more times than not, is Judge, Stanton and Hicks. Joey Gallo is your current fourth outfielder, as it stands today. Matt Carpenter has played 117 total innings in Major League Baseball as an outfielder, so in a pinch, you could ride with him for a game or two.

Past what is currently on the roster, the Yankees seem poised to have Tim Locastro re-enter the mix when he gets healthy. He added a nice bit of depth early in the season, and his speed and versatility are viewed as assets by the club. The team can also turn to Estevan Florial, who is still a prospect worth keeping an eye on.

Further down the depth chart, you have former Atlanta Braves' outfielder Ender Inciarte, as well as longtime journeyman Ryan LaMarre, who played games for the team last season.

So, unfortunately, the parting ways of these two parties may be the best result left on the table.