Reunion brewing: Yankees trade talks swirl around former standout

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A recognizable face is surfacing in Major League Baseball’s trade rumors. For Yankees supporters, it evokes memories of potential, power, and a controversial Rookie of the Year decision. Miguel Andujar — once a rising talent in pinstripes — is experiencing a professional revival in Oakland. League sources indicate the New York Yankees could pursue bringing him home.

Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently identified Andujar as the most probable Athletic to be moved before the July 31 trade deadline. With the Yankees still assessing their long-term third base and corner depth needs, a homecoming might not be as unlikely as previously imagined.

Andujar’s resurgence in Oakland

The 30-year-old Andujar is steadily reconstructing his market value. Through May 24, the adaptable slugger is batting .312 with 3 home runs, 19 RBIs, and a .777 OPS for Oakland. He’s reducing strikeouts while providing reliable offense for a team seemingly destined for another summer selloff.

Last season, Andujar hit .285 and achieved 30 RBIs for the first time since his explosive 2018 Yankees campaign. That breakthrough year featured 27 homers, 92 RBIs, and a near-miss at AL Rookie of the Year honors — finishing runner-up to Shohei Ohtani.

Injuries and defensive shortcomings subsequently derailed Andujar’s upward path. The Yankees eventually designated him for assignment before he traveled through Pittsburgh and settled in Oakland. Now, as trade deadline discussions intensify, he’s attracting interest from competitive clubs — potentially including his former organization.

Yankees have a need — and a familiar fit

While New York’s current roster appears comprehensive, uncertainty exists in specific areas. Jorbit Vivas and Oswald Peraza have shared third-base duties, but their offensive contributions remain unpredictable. Andujar wouldn’t be expected to play daily, but as a platoon choice or bench weapon with pop, his skill set aligns perfectly.

He also brings positional flexibility. Andujar can handle third base, left field, first base, and designated hitter responsibilities. That adaptability could prove crucial during the season’s final months, particularly as the Yankees monitor veteran workloads for players like Paul Goldschmidt.

An intangible element exists: organizational knowledge. The Yankees understand Andujar’s preparation habits, clubhouse presence, and developmental ceiling. One scenery change already revitalized his career. Returning to the Bronx could complete a comeback narrative, gaining momentum.

Trade proposal taking shape

A speculative transaction circulating among league personnel would see the Yankees obtaining Andujar for two minor league players: first baseman T.J. Rumfield and Double-A right-handed reliever Matt Keating.

Yankees Receive:

• Miguel Andujar, 3B/LF/DH

Athletics Receive:

• T.J. Rumfield, 1B/3B (AAA)
• Matt Keating, RHP (AA)

Why It Benefits New York:

• Organizational knowledge: Andujar understands the Yankees’ infrastructure and media environment. He’s succeeded here previously and wouldn’t require extensive acclimation.
• Affordable addition: The Yankees avoid surrendering top-10 prospects while acquiring a tested MLB contributor.
• Squad flexibility: Andujar provides coverage at various positions and serves as a potential catalyst if injuries occur or current hitters struggle.

Why It Benefits Oakland:

• Developmental assets: Rumfield is a left-handed hitter with solid on-base skills who could emerge as a long-term corner infielder or designated hitter.
• Relief prospect: Keating possesses a strong strikeout rate and improving secondary pitches — a development project matching Oakland’s rebuilding approach.

A reunion rooted in redemption

Andujar’s 2018 performance remains among the most thrilling rookie campaigns in recent Yankees history. His lightning-quick hands, aggressive mentality, and ability to spray line drives everywhere made him a crowd favorite. But as Ohtani claimed the award and physical setbacks mounted, Andujar gradually disappeared from prominence.

Currently, he’s crafting a different narrative — emphasizing durability, contact ability, and professional reinvention.

The defensive measurements still disappoint — he’s recorded -3 Outs Above Average in minimal third base opportunities during 2025 — but that hasn’t prevented teams from recognizing his offensive potential. For the Yankees, whose power foundation is solidifying with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Goldschmidt leading the attack, Andujar could represent a low-risk, high-reward addition to extend the batting order.

Timeline and market considerations

The Athletics, currently declining after an encouraging beginning, are anticipated to begin entertaining proposals in early July. They possess limited tradeable assets, especially with reliever José Leclerc occupying the 60-day injured list. Andujar emerges as their most marketable commodity — particularly with impending free agency and Oakland showing no competitive signs this season.

If the Yankees want to precede market activity, they might seek to negotiate earlier rather than later, especially with multiple contenders — including the Guardians, Braves, and Mariners — reportedly investigating corner infield depth alternatives.

The road ahead

The Yankees’ attention remains centered on pursuing an AL East championship and achieving a lengthy postseason journey. However, trade deadlines frequently reward early preparation over late-stage shopping.

Miguel Andujar might not dominate this year’s July headlines, but his offensive ability, positional versatility, and New York history make him among the more compelling under-the-radar possibilities. For a front office constantly seeking marginal improvements, Andujar might represent the familiar component that fits better currently than previously possible.

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