Pittsburgh Pirates Avoid Arbitration With Miguel Andújar

Ahead of Friday’s deadline to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miguel Andújar settled on a contract for the 2023 season

Friday was the deadline for Major League Baseball team’s to tender contracts to their players who are arbitration eligible. Teams could tender a contract to a player to avoid them becoming a free agent, or potentially even reach an agreement with them for the 2023 season.

On Friday night, news broke that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miguel Andújar had reached a deal for the 2023 season. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the deal will be worth $1.525. With this, the Pirates and Andújar avoid arbitration.

Andújar joined the Pittsburgh Pirates when the organization claimed him off waivers in late September. This came after the New York Yankees designated Andújar for assignment.

Overall, Andújar hit for a .235/.257/.311 slash line with a 58 wRC+ and an OPS+ of 61 during the 2022 season. These results came in 140 plate appearances. In his small sample size with the Pirates, Andújar hit for a .250/.275/.389 slash line with a wRC+ of 78 in 40 PAs. He also had nine RBI in nine games with the Bucs.

Andújar being tendered a contract did not come as a surprise. When he arrived in Pittsburgh it looked like he may be a hitter in need of a change of scenery. He should get a legitimate look with the Pirates, at least early in the 2023 season, to see how he does.

Looking ahead to 2023, Andújar may find himself getting starts at first base against tough left-handed pitchers to give Ji-Man Choi a day off. He could also see time at designated hitter or in left field, especially against left-handed pitchers. Hopefully, the former American League Rookie of the Year runner-up can find his old form with the Pirates in 2023.