Reds’ last-minute trade find is quickly becoming an offseason priority

He hasn't been wearing a Cincinnati Reds uniform for very long, but Miguel Andujar has already made a massive impact since joining the team at the July 31 trade deadline. The Reds needed a big-time bat, and though not many assumed Andujar would make an impact, it's hard to overlook his contributions since arriving earlier this month.

Andujar was traded from the Athletics after Cincinnati shipped minor-league pitching prospect Kenya Huggins out to Sacramento. A former New York Yankees prospect, Andujar has always pulverized left-handed pitching. This season, Andujar is hitting .412/.444/.627 against southpaws with a 195 wRC+. For his career, Andujar owns an .801 OPS and 119 wRC+.

Those are the types of numbers that should keep Andujar in Cincinnati beyond just this season. The slugger is slated to become a free agent after the season, and if the price is right, the Reds should attempt to bring Andjuar back on a short-term contract.

Reds’ slugger Miguel Andujar is quickly becoming an offseason priority

Let's face it, the notion that the Reds are going to shell out what it's going to take to land a free agent bat like Kyle Schwarber is preposterous. Even at 32 years old, Schwarber is likely to land a nine-digit contract this coming offseason — the Reds will never extend that type of contract.

Andujar, on the other hand, could probably be signed to a one or two-year deal worth no more than $5 million annually. Though Andujar can play both corner outfield spots and third base, his defensive limitations make him little more than a traditional designated hitter. Veterans like Ramon Laureano, Andrew McCutchen, and Tommy Pham all signed for less than $5 million last offseason, so it's difficult to see Andujar's price going much above that.

If the Reds intend to bring back Gavin Lux in 2026 — he's under team control through next season — Cincinnati is going to need another bat to platoon alongside him as the team's DH. Andujar would be an inexpensive solution to that problem.

The Reds have some young talent coming up through the pipeline, and Cincinnati's front office won't want to block the likes of Sal Stewart, Hectór Rodríguez, and others from making an impact in 2026. But having a veteran bat like Andujar could be invaluable next season, especially if the Reds lose Austin Hays to free agency.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors