New York — The New York Yankees face a critical decision this offseason. They need a right-handed bat to complement their lineup. Two names have emerged as options. One is a former MVP. The other is a former Rookie of the Year candidate who once called the Bronx home.
YES Network’s Jack Curry reported that the Yankees have had conversations with Paul Goldschmidt about a possible return. The seven-time All-Star spent last season in pinstripes. He batted .274 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 145 games.
But there is a better option available. One that would cost less money. One that offers more versatility. His name is Miguel Andujar.
Multiple MLB teams chasing Andujar
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, several teams are showing interest in the free agent outfielder. The Rangers, Padres, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs and Athletics are all in the mix.
The 30-year-old is coming off his best season in years. He posted a .318/.352/.470 batting line in 94 games split between the Athletics and Reds. That production translated to a wRC+ of 125. That means he was 25% better than league average at the plate.
Yankees fans remember Andujar well. He finished second in the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year voting behind Shohei Ohtani. He hit 47 doubles that season. That broke Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 record for most by a Yankees rookie.
The numbers tell a clear story
Here is where the comparison gets interesting. Goldschmidt put up a .274/.328/.403 line in 2025. His wRC+ was 103. That is barely above average for the MLB. His 10 home runs and 45 RBI came in 145 games.
Andujar hit .318 with a .470 slugging percentage. He did that in just 94 games. He missed over a month due to an oblique strain. His wRC+ of 125 dwarfs what Goldschmidt produced.
Against left-handed pitching, the gap widens even more. Andujar destroyed southpaws in 2025. He posted a .389/.409/.578 line against them. His wRC+ against lefties was a staggering 171. Goldschmidt hit lefties well with a .981 OPS. But Andujar’s numbers were simply better.
Roster flexibility matters for the Yankees
Goldschmidt is strictly a first baseman. That is all he has ever played. The Yankees already have Ben Rice emerging at that position. Rice posted an above-average .752 OPS against left-handers last season. By the end of 2025, he had taken over the starting role.
Andujar offers something different. He can play all four corner spots. He lined up at first base, third base, left field and right field in 2025. That versatility gives manager Aaron Boone more options. It does not create a logjam at one position.
The current Yankees bench is projected to include Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jasson Dominguez and J.C. Escarra. Adding Goldschmidt could force Cabrera to Triple-A. Adding Andujar would not create that problem. He can fill multiple roles.
The cost factor favors Andujar
Goldschmidt earned $12.5 million with the Yankees in 2025. He will want something similar if he returns. The Yankees are already dealing with luxury tax concerns after signing Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million extension.
Andujar will not command nearly as much. Players like Austin Hays and Randal Grichuk got one-year deals worth $5 million last offseason. Rob Refsnyder just signed for $6.3 million. Andujar falls into that same category. He could cost the Yankees half of what Goldschmidt would.
Andujar has something to prove
The Yankees did not exactly treat Andujar well during his tenure. After his stellar rookie season, injuries derailed his career. He tore his labrum in 2019 and never got consistent playing time again. He requested a trade in 2022. The team denied it. They shuffled him between the majors and Triple-A.
Now he has rebuilt his value. He struck out just 42 times in 319 plate appearances last season. His 7.60 plate appearances per strikeout was 16th best in MLB among players with 300 or more plate appearances. He puts the ball in play. He makes contact.
A return to the Bronx would give him a chance to prove the organization was wrong. That kind of motivation can be valuable. Ask any MLB scout about players with a chip on their shoulder.
The smart play for the Yankees
Goldschmidt is 38 years old. He is a future Hall of Famer. But his best days are behind him. His defensive metrics were poor in 2025. He posted negative numbers in both DRS and OAA.
Andujar just turned 30. He is entering what should be his prime years. He hits from the right side. He can play multiple positions. He costs less money. He produced better numbers than Goldschmidt in 2025.
The Yankees need depth. They need flexibility. They need production against left-handed pitching. Andujar checks all of those boxes. Goldschmidt checks only one.
Brian Cashman should pick up the phone. The former Yankee is available. And he makes far more sense than bringing back Goldschmidt for a second season in the Bronx.
What do you think?
