Claimed Off Waivers, Miguel Andújar Lands With New Team
NEW YORK — Miguel Andújar has a new home, just like he wanted.
A few days after he was designated for assignment by the Yankees, Andújar was claimed by the Pirates, New York announced on Sunday evening.
Andújar requested a trade from the Yankees earlier this season, a result of some building frustration regarding playing time. After his fantastic rookie season in 2018—nearly winning the American League Rookie of the Year—he's either been injured or bouncing between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the Bronx, never securing a consistent opportunity in pinstripes.
This move officially ends an 11-year stint within the Yankees organization for Andújar—he was signed back in 2011, making his big-league debut in 2017.
It might be a while before Andújar plays in a meaningful big-league game again, though. Pittsburgh is far from contention. That said, there's certainly an opportunity for the infielder-turned-outfielder to start and show what he can do.
Andújar will find some familiar faces in Pittsburgh. Between the Clay Holmes and Jameson Taillon trades, along with some other lower-profile moves, there are several ex-Yankees on the Pirates' active roster: Roansy Contreras, Miguel Yajure, Diego Castillo, Hoy Park, Manny Bañuelos, Greg Allen and more.
This season, Andújar is hitting .229/.250/.281 in 27 games. Over his six years with the club, he's batting .273/.303/.449 with 35 homers. The vast majority of that production came in his rookie season and he'll surely be looking to recapture that form going forward.
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