Miguel Andujar, who finished second to Shohei Ohtani for the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year, is proving to be yet another waiver-claim success for the A’s. After being claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees in May, Andujar has quickly become an integral part of the A’s lineup and is starting to turn heads across the league.
For those who may not be familiar with waiver claims, it is a process in which teams can acquire players who have been placed on waivers by their current team. And while Andujar may have been seen as a risky claim due to his struggles with the Yankees, the A’s saw potential in the young third baseman and took a chance on him. And it’s safe to say, that chance is paying off in a big way.
At just 26 years old, Andujar still has a lot of baseball ahead of him. And after his promising start with the A’s, it’s clear that he is just scratching the surface of his potential. In just a few short months, Andujar has become a fan favorite in Oakland and has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young players in the game.
One of the biggest reasons for Andujar’s success with the A’s has been his impressive offensive production. In just 71 games with the team, he has already amassed 15 home runs and 50 RBIs, putting him on pace for a career-high in both categories. Andujar’s power at the plate has been a much-needed boost for the A’s and has helped them climb the standings in the AL West.
But it’s not just his power that makes Andujar such a valuable asset to the A’s lineup. He also boasts a strong batting average of .282 and a .318 on-base percentage, making him a consistent threat at the plate. And with his ability to hit for both power and average, Andujar has quickly become a staple in the middle of the A’s lineup, providing much-needed run support for the team.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Andujar has also shown impressive defensive skills at third base. While he may not have the most glamorous fielding percentage, he makes up for it with his range and strong arm, making him a reliable defender for the A’s. And his versatility in the field has been a huge asset for the team, as he has also seen time at first base and designated hitter.
But perhaps what is most impressive about Andujar is his work ethic and determination. After struggling with the Yankees last year and spending most of this season in the minor leagues, he has not let those setbacks define him. Instead, he has used them as motivation to continue improving and proving his worth as a player. And that drive and determination have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches, who have praised him for his hard work and positive attitude.
And while Andujar may have been overshadowed by Ohtani in the AL Rookie of the Year race last year, he is proving that he is more than capable of being a standout player in his own right. In fact, some may argue that he is a stronger candidate for the award this year, given his impressive numbers and impact on the A’s lineup.
It’s clear that the A’s made a smart move in claiming Andujar off waivers. Not only has he exceeded expectations on the field, but he has also quickly become a fan favorite and a key piece of the A’s future. And with his promising potential and determination to succeed, the sky’s the limit for Miguel Andujar and the A’s.
In a league where success can’t always be predicted, the A’s have once again struck gold with another waiver-claim steal. And with Miguel Andujar leading the way, the future looks bright for the Oakland A’s. So keep an eye on this rising star, because he’s just getting started.
