Miguel Andujar – Athletics Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Miguel Andújar, or “Papa” as fans like to call him, has made quite a name for himself in Major League Baseball since he broke in with the New York Yankees on June 28, 2017. Born March 2, 1995, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, Andújar has shown real skill as an infielder through the ups and downs of his career.

Miguel Andújar now brings in $1,525,000 per year on his current one-year contract, and estimates put his net worth somewhere between $5.4 million and $10.1 million.

Andújar’s path in pro baseball hasn’t been easy, but he’s hit some high points. He impressed with the Yankees, especially during his rookie year, and later moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates, signing his latest contract there in November to avoid salary arbitration.

He’s earned over $10 million in his career so far, which says a lot about his value in the tough world of MLB.

Off the field, Andújar keeps working on his finances while sharpening his game. With the 2025 season rolling, folks are watching to see if he can boost his market value even more. His story feels like that classic tale of international talent chasing the American baseball dream.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Miguel Andújar’s journey to MLB started back in the Dominican Republic. His natural ability and work ethic set him apart early on.

Those first years really laid the groundwork for what would end up as his big-league debut with the Yankees.

Background and Family

Miguel Enrique Andújar was born in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, a place that’s churned out plenty of ballplayers. Growing up in a baseball-crazy country, he picked up the sport young.

His nickname, “Papa,” stuck with him from those early days and still follows him around the league.

Baseball in the Dominican Republic isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way out for a lot of kids. Andújar’s family noticed his knack for hitting and supported his dreams from the start.

Path to Professional Baseball

Scouts spotted Andújar’s talent when he was just a teenager. The Yankees signed him as an international free agent in 2011, handing him a $750,000 bonus at only 16.

He started out in the Yankees’ farm system with the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2012. Andújar worked his way up, step by step:

• 2012: Gulf Coast Yankees (Rookie)
• 2013: Staten Island Yankees (Class A Short Season)
• 2014-15: Charleston RiverDogs (Class A)
• 2016: Tampa Yankees (Class A Advanced)
• 2016-17: Trenton Thunder (Double-A)
• 2017: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A)

He kept improving as a hitter, but scouts pointed out that his defense at third base needed some work.

Key Influences and Early Achievements

A handful of coaches in the Yankees’ system really helped shape Andújar’s game. His hitting drew comparisons to other Dominican stars, which gave him plenty of role models.

As a prospect, Andújar flashed serious bat speed and power. He even got a taste of MLB spring training with the Yankees in 2015, and the team saw his potential.

His minor league highlights include:

• 2016 Eastern League All-Star (Double-A)
• 2017 International League Mid-Season All-Star (Triple-A)
• Several Player of the Week awards

Andújar finally made his MLB debut on June 28, 2017, at 22. He went 3-for-4 with four RBIs—honestly, not a bad way to start.

Professional Career and Team Affiliations

Miguel Andújar has gone from a hot rookie with the Yankees to a player looking for a steady home. His career has had bright spots, but he’s also faced some tough breaks and team changes.

Debut with the New York Yankees

Andújar first hit the majors with the Yankees on June 28, 2017. His first stint was short, but fans got a glimpse of what he could do.

In 2018, he became the Yankees’ everyday third baseman. Andújar quickly became known as an offensive threat, hitting for power and average.

He caught the eye of analysts everywhere. Andújar’s hitting ability made him a core part of the Yankees’ plans, and he finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Shohei Ohtani.

Notable Seasons and Performance Highlights

Andújar’s 2018 season stands out as his best so far. He hit .297 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs.

He also broke Joe DiMaggio’s Yankees rookie record with 47 doubles. That’s some company.

Andújar’s swing produced hard-hit balls all over the field. He attacked pitches and racked up line drives.

But then, in 2019, a shoulder injury changed everything. He tore his labrum just 12 games in, had surgery, and missed the rest of the year.

After surgery, he struggled to get his spot back. Defensive issues and competition from other infielders made it even harder.

Trades, Free Agency, and Team Moves

Once he lost his starting role, Andújar bounced between the Yankees and Triple-A Scranton from 2020 through 2022. The Yankees put him on waivers a few times, trying to find a fit.

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked him up in September 2022. He showed flashes of his old self with Pittsburgh.

The Pirates offered him a one-year, $1.525 million contract for 2023, skipping arbitration. It was a fresh chance to prove himself as an everyday player.

His time in Pittsburgh added to his MLB resume and gave him another shot at securing his spot.

Recent Teams and Current Status

After Pittsburgh, Andújar signed with the Oakland Athletics before the 2024 season. He landed a one-year deal for $3 million—his biggest payday yet.

Now 30 (born March 2, 1995), Andújar keeps working to find that spark from his rookie year. He’s added first base and outfield to his toolbox, not just third base.

The 2024 season in Oakland gives him regular at-bats and a chance to show he still has it. How he performs this year will shape his next contract and future in the league.

With more than 400 career hits, Andújar still has plenty of talent at the plate. His story’s a reminder of how tough it can be to stick in the majors after a hot start and a bad injury.

Position Versatility and Playing Style

Miguel Andújar has shown impressive versatility, bouncing between positions and adapting his game. His move from third base to the outfield shows off his athleticism and willingness to do what it takes.

Defensive Roles and Primary Positions

Andújar started as a third baseman with the Yankees and looked good there for a while. But defensive issues—like limited range and some throwing problems—forced him to make a change.

After injuries and struggles on defense, Andújar moved to the outfield, mostly in left field, so he could keep his bat in the lineup.

With Oakland, he’s even played some first base, giving the team more options. He’s not winning a Gold Glove, but his flexibility keeps him valuable as a utility guy.

Offensive Approach and Strengths

Andújar’s bat has always been his calling card. In his rookie year, he hit .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs—a pretty loud entrance.

He swings aggressively and puts the ball in play a lot. He doesn’t walk much, but he makes up for it with a solid batting average and gap power.

Doubles are his thing—he set a Yankees rookie record with 47 in 2018. That shows his ability to drive the ball to all fields.

His OPS peaked at .855 as a rookie, but he hasn’t quite matched that since. Still, when he’s on, Andújar is a valuable right-handed bat for the middle of the lineup.

Competition and Adaptation

Andújar has always faced tough competition for playing time. He’s had to adapt constantly just to stick around in the majors.

He’s changed teams a few times, always looking for a steady role. The Pirates signed Andújar to a one-year deal for $1.525 million, and then he moved to the Athletics for $3 million.

Losing his starting third base job with the Yankees forced him to embrace the outfield and designated hitter spots. He didn’t let it end his career.

Andújar’s athleticism—he’s got decent sprint speed and coordination—has helped him bounce between positions. He’s made a living by staying flexible and keeping his bat in the mix, even if he’s not a defensive specialist.

Contracts, Salary, and Net Worth

Miguel Andújar’s financial path in MLB has had its highs and lows. His earnings have changed a lot based on his performance and team moves.

MLB Contracts and Compensation

Andújar’s latest deal is with the Oakland Athletics—a one-year, $3 million contract for the 2024 season. That’s a big jump from his last deal with the Pirates, which was worth $1,525,000.

His contract history is full of short-term deals, which is pretty common for players still trying to lock down a long-term spot. After his breakout with the Yankees, injuries and up-and-down play hurt his market value.

Oakland gave him his highest salary so far, showing they believe in his potential—even if his track record is a bit uneven.

Salary Progression and Arbitration

Andújar’s salary has changed quite a bit over the years.

Salary Progression:

• Early Yankees contract: League minimum
• Post-rookie season: Modest increase
• Pirates contract (2023): $1,525,000
• Athletics contract (2024): $3,000,000

The Pirates signed Andújar to a one-year deal in November 2022, which let both sides avoid arbitration. Arbitration eligibility has played a big part in how his pay has grown.

His salary growth shows the usual MLB service time bumps, but injuries and performance swings have made things more complicated.

Net Worth Estimates

Andújar’s net worth depends on who you ask, but most sources pin it somewhere between $5 and $10 million.

One estimate says $5,487,884, but others think he might be worth more.

His career earnings are around $10,187,884, based on his MLB contracts so far.

Several things affect his net worth:

• MLB contract money
• Possible endorsement deals
• Investments he might have made
• Taxes, of course

These numbers only cover what’s public. The details about his investments or spending habits are private. His net worth could change a lot, depending on how he plays and what kind of deals he lands in the future.

Notable Events, Injuries, and Milestones

Miguel Andújar’s career has swung wildly, from a huge rookie year to tough injuries that really changed his path in the majors.

Significant Injuries and Recovery

Andújar hit a major setback in 2019 when he tore his right shoulder labrum early in the year.

He tried to play through it, but eventually needed season-ending surgery in May. That timing couldn’t have been worse, coming right after his breakout rookie season.

He missed almost all of 2019, appearing in just 12 games. Rehab dragged into the shortened 2020 season, and he struggled, batting only .242 in limited chances.

The injury really hurt his defense at third base. The Yankees moved him around, trying him in left field and at first base, hoping to protect his shoulder a bit.

Prominent Games and Achievements

Andújar’s best moment came in 2018, his rookie year, when he almost won AL Rookie of the Year. He set a Yankees rookie record with 47 doubles, showing off serious gap power.

In his MLB debut on June 28, 2017, he went 3-for-4 with four RBIs against the White Sox. That game gave everyone a taste of what he could do.

He hasn’t played in a World Series, but he did get a shot in the 2018 postseason. Unfortunately, he struggled in the ALDS, going just 1-for-9 as the Yankees lost to Boston.

Relationships with Teammates and Managers

Andújar and Yankees manager Aaron Boone got along well at first. Boone liked Andújar’s work ethic and his natural swing, especially during that rookie year.

But as injuries piled up and his performance dipped, Boone cut back his playing time, and things got trickier.

He grew close with other Dominican players, especially Luis Severino. That friendship helped him adjust to life in the majors.

After his injury, Gio Urshela took over at third base, which made it tough for Andújar to get back to his old spot. Eventually, the Yankees designated him for assignment, and he ended up with the Pirates and later the Athletics.

Legacy and Impact on Major League Baseball

Miguel Andújar’s career has made a real impact on MLB, even with all the ups and downs. That rookie season set a high bar and still shapes how people talk about him and how teams look at young hitters.

Career Recognition and Honors

His biggest recognition came in 2018 with the Yankees. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Shohei Ohtani.

That year, he hit .297 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs, plus those 47 doubles that set a rookie record for the team.

He got some buzz for the Silver Slugger Award but didn’t win. Yankees GM Brian Cashman often praised Andújar’s swing, even comparing him to big-name hitters.

Even though injuries slowed him down, his 2018 stats still sit in the Yankees record books with guys like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres.

Contributions to Teams

Andújar gave the Yankees a big boost during their 2018 playoff run. He balanced out a lineup full of power hitters like Giancarlo Stanton and Judge with his steady contact hitting.

After leaving New York, Andújar brought some value to the Pirates, playing third base and outfield. He showed he’d do whatever the team needed.

Now with the Oakland Athletics, Andújar is still contributing under a $3 million contract. He’s taken on more of a veteran role, helping the younger guys along.

Moving through different teams has made him a clubhouse presence. He’s seen both the highs and the tough breaks, and that kind of experience matters.

Influence on Future Players

Andújar really changed the way younger Dominican players think about hitting, especially with his aggressive approach and how he drove outside pitches to the opposite field.

He adjusted to major league pitching fast during his rookie season. International prospects now look at his early days as a kind of blueprint.

Andújar’s career shows how to handle setbacks, too. When injuries cost him his starting spot, he didn’t just wait around—he worked hard to reinvent himself and picked up new defensive skills in the outfield.

Some of the younger guys on the Athletics actually learn a lot from watching him deal with the ups and downs—being a rookie star, then having to rebuild.

His path from being a big-name Yankees prospect to a journeyman pro really shows the kind of resilience players need if they want to stick around in MLB.

That’s probably the legacy he’ll leave behind.