Andujar Declines Padres Option and Hits the Open Market After Injury-Hit Season

Miguel Andujar is officially a free agent after declining his end of a mutual option with the San Diego Padres, opening the door for all 30 clubs to pursue the 31-year-old this winter. Andujar spent the first six seasons of his career in a New York Yankees uniform before spells with the Athletics, Pirates and Reds, and he now hits the market again after one season in San Diego. Andujar signed a one-year deal with the Padres last winter worth $4 million in guaranteed money — $1.5 million in salary plus a $2.5 million buyout. His season, however, was badly disrupted by injury. Over 254 plate appearances he hit .259/.303/.423 with five home runs, but he spent more than two months on the injured list after a wayward Lucas Erceg pitch fractured his right wrist. The injury ended his regular season, but he fought back to return for the playoffs, going 0-for-3 with a walk in four pinch-hit appearances during San Diego's postseason run. He was limited to 74 games in total, yet his track record as a productive bat against both left- and right-handed pitching should still draw interest from teams seeking affordable depth. With the offseason market now open and a potential lockout looming on December 1, Andujar's camp will want to move quickly. For a player who has battled injuries and changing roles throughout his career, this winter is another chance to prove he can still be an everyday contributor.