The San Diego Padres have reportedly reached an agreement with veteran outfielder Miguel Andujar, securing his services for one year with a base salary of $4 million, which could increase by an additional $2 million through performance bonuses. This signing is a significant boost for the Padres, adding a potent right-handed bat to their lineup and increasing their roster flexibility.
Andujar's acquisition addresses several key needs for the team; he is a strong contender for the designated hitter role against left-handed pitching and offers valuable defensive coverage in the corner outfield positions and at third base. Throughout his nine-season major league career, having played for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, The Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds, Andujar boasts a commendable .282 batting average, along with 53 home runs and 223 RBIs over 467 games. His most notable season came in 2018 with the Yankees, where he hit .297 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Shohei Ohtani. After a period of inconsistent performance following his stellar rookie year, Andujar experienced a resurgence in 2025, batting an impressive .318 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs across 94 games for the Athletics and Reds. This makes his signing a calculated, low-risk, high-reward move for the Friars.
This strategic roster enhancement by the Padres demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team. By bringing in experienced and versatile players like Andujar, they not only strengthen their immediate lineup but also foster a dynamic environment where talent can thrive. Such moves are crucial in the demanding landscape of professional sports, reflecting a proactive approach to achieving excellence and inspiring peak performance from every athlete.