Former Yankees, Reds, A's outfielder agrees to $4M deal with Padres

The San Diego Padres aren't going to be the biggest spenders this offseason, as they've been exploring trades of their veteran players to clear some money off the roster.

But that doesn't mean they won't sign or trade for players. They've already signed Michael King to a three-year, $75 million deal. It's not a cheap contract for King, and it shows that A.J. Preller isn't afraid to spend.

That willingness to spend came to fruition in a new deal. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Padres are in agreement on a $4 million contract with former New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar.

Padres to sign Miguel Andujar to $4 million contract

"Outfielder Miguel Andujar and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract, sources tell ESPN," Passan reports.

This contract for Andujar is a cheap one, but it's a very nice addition for the Padres roster for the 2026 season.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old outfielder played in 94 games in 2025 for the Athletics and the Reds, posting 0.8 bWAR with a .318 batting average and an .822 OPS.

The reason why his bWAR was down despite such a good offensive season was that his defense in the outfield was well below average.

While he was a bit better in right field and at first base in his limited time at both spots, his poor play in left field for the A's and the Reds led him to have a lower value last year.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

The career .282 average hitter with just 53 home runs is the Padres new contact-first hitter. He's similar to Luis Arraez, but his power is a bit better than the multi-time batting champion.

Andujar could take over for one of Gavin Sheets or Jake Cronenworth at first base or designated hitter. If he takes to the outfield, Ramon Laureano is the only player he could fill in for.

The Padres have explored trades with Cronenworth and Laureano, so Andujar could fill in for one of those players in 2026. But, at least for now, Andujar is a bench player for the Padres alongside the likes of Mason McCoy, Will Wagner, and Bryce Johnson.

He's now their clear best bench bat at least, and if there's a later trade to come, he could fill in for one of those departing expensive veterans for the 2026 season.

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