5 moves the Yankees still need to make after signing Gerrit Cole

2. Pick a direction with Miguel Andujar

The Yankees must acknowledge the reality that Andujar is a deeply flawed player. He’s a very good hitter, but the chances of him progressing to even become an adequate fielder at third base just aren’t very good.

That makes it time for the Yankees to make a choice about Andujar’s future. Trading him is always a possibility, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the route Cashman wants to take. Giving him up and betting on Gio Urshela to repeat last year’s All-Star caliber season does seem to be quite risky.

Assuming Andujar does stay on the team, the Yankees have to choose a long-term position for him. If they truly believe they can build him up into an adequate third baseman then by all means, they should leave him at the hot corner.

If not, it’s time to move him somewhere else. He could turn into a passable corner outfielder in time, but it seems like a transition to first base/DH is the most likely outcome for the talented slugger. Such a move would decrease his long-term value for the Yankees, but it would allow him to chart a strong course for his immediate future. That will be vital if New York wants Andujar to give them the sort of offensive production he did as a rookie.