The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up is sure to be brought up in trade talks this offseason, but are there any pitchers that are worth it?
Miguel Andujar had an amazing rookie season for the Yankees. He put on good display both his offensive abilities and defensive shortcomings. Although he may never be a good defender, his offense will still make him very valuable.
In an offseason where the Yankees seem fixated on adding a top-flight starting pitcher, who is worth trading Miguel Andujar for?
Based on the names we’ve heard up to this point, I say you pull the trigger on Corey Kluber and only trade Andujar for Paxton if you’re desperate.
Corey Kluber is the type of pitcher you will not regret trading for. This is probably a top-5 pitcher in the league. If the Indians want Andujar as the main piece then you have to pull the trigger. If you are also able to sign Manny Machado, this deal turns into a no-brainer.
As for Paxton, I think this is a harder choice. Again, if you are able to sign Machado, I think you can include Andujar in this deal. Especially if you don’t get Kluber. Adding Paxton and possibly Corbin would be a pretty good get for the Yankees.
Paxton and Kluber are the only two names we’ve heard thus far that are worth trading Andujar for. Now, if the Yankees are able to get one of these guys with prospects then they should do that. But if Andujar has to go, I think it is worth it.
I think it largely depends on the Machado situation. In that scenario, you upgrade at third base and will be able to upgrade your pitching if you trade Andujar. He is a valuable player, but an ace would be an absolute game-changer for the Yankees.
It hurts to trade these young players, but teams very rarely regret trading for an ace. If the Yankees want to contend with the Red Sox and even Houston, they need to upgrade their rotation and I think they need to take the necessary risks to do that.