Miguel Andujar is a perfect free agent for the Cleveland Guardians, but they could have a ton of competition after a new report.
The Cleveland Guardians have yet to make a move to add a meaningful bat to their lineup, but they still have options to do so.
There are multiple free agent hitters unsigned with spring training starting next month. On paper, Miguel Andujar would be a perfect fit for the Guardians.
He’s a right-handed hitter who can play any outfield position. Cleveland should be doing everything it can to add a player of Andujar’s skill set to the lineup.
However, Cleveland would certainly face competition if it decides to pursue the 30-year-old.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Monday that Andujar is generating a ton of interest on the free agent market. He noted that the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Athletics are all teams that are part of the “many” teams that are in play.
Hopefully, the Guardians are included in that “many,” but the insider didn't mention them; we’ll see.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Miguel Andujar (38) hits a single in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, Aug. 30, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati. © Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesRight now, the Guardians only have one right-handed hitting outfielder, that being Johnthan Rodrigez, after Cleveland designated Jhonkensy Noel for assignment. They only have four total right-handed hitters on the 40-man roster, the other three being David Fry, Gabriel Arias, and Austin Hedges.
The Guardians desperately need to figure out a way to improve against southpaws, after the team logged a .647 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025.
Again, Andujar would be the perfect player to help with that. He had an OPS of .987, including nine extra base hits, against left-handed pitching a year ago.
Plus, he wouldn’t take away at-bats from Cleveland’s young core of Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus, which has been one of the reasons the Guardians have been so reluctant to make external additions.
With many teams interested in Andujar, as Heyman reports, the veteran could demand quite a bit on the open market. Cleveland typically doesn’t spend a lot on free agents, we know that, but they should be in a position to spend a little more money on a player that would fit them as well as Andujar does.
Hopefully, the Guardians can get in on the action for Andujar, which would fill a massive hole in Cleveland’s lineup.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.