The New York Yankees would be far more likely to part with Miguel Andujar if they end up signing Manny Machado this offseason, but the up-and-coming third baseman is not concerned about the team bringing in a superstar who could potentially replace him.
Andujar spoke with the media while being honored at the 39th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner at the Grand Hyatt on Tuesday, and he was asked about the Yankees’ reported interest in Machado.
“If he would have signed with the Yankees, even better,” Andujar said through a translator, via Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.
There are a number of ways the Yankees could handle their roster if they sign Machado. While Machado has expressed a desire to remain at shortstop, the Yankees seemingly have their long-term shortstop in place already with Did Gregorius. However, Gregorius is expected to be out through at least the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery, so Machado could play shortstop in New York in the meantime.
Either way, Andujar insisted he is not worried about the situation.
“No. Not at all,” he said. “I’ve always stayed positive.”
Andujar is just 23 and coming off a year in which he hit .297 with 27 home runs, 92 RBI and an .855 OPS. There would obviously be plenty of interest in him on the trade market, and some rival executives seem to think the Yankees want to move him.
For what it’s worth, another Yankee who would stand to lose playing time if the team signs Machado also insists he wants the free agent slugger to land in New York.
