Padres Sign Veteran Utility Player Miguel Andujar

One-year deal with mutual option for 2027 brings versatile bat to San Diego lineup.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:12am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in the act of batting or fielding, with sharp overlapping planes of navy blue, sand, and orange colors representing the Padres' team palette.The Padres' new utility player Miguel Andujar brings a dynamic, multifaceted skillset to the team's lineup.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres have signed veteran utility player Miguel Andujar to a one-year, $4 million contract with a mutual option for the 2027 season. The 30-year-old Andujar, who can play multiple infield and outfield positions, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign split between the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds, batting .318 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs.

Why it matters

This signing adds depth and versatility to the Padres' roster as they look to compete in the NL West. Andujar's ability to play multiple positions will give the team flexibility, and his offensive production could provide a boost to the lineup.

The details

Andujar's contract includes $2 million in potential performance incentives on top of the $4 million base salary. Over his nine-year MLB career, he has a .282 batting average with 53 home runs and 223 RBIs. His best season came in 2018 when he finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs for the New York Yankees.

  • Andujar will turn 31 years old in early March 2026.
  • The Padres signed Andujar on April 12, 2026.

The players

Miguel Andujar

A versatile utility player who can play multiple infield and outfield positions. He is coming off a strong 2025 season split between the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds.

San Diego Padres

A Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California, that competes in the National League West division.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add a player of Miguel's caliber to our roster. His versatility and offensive production will be a great asset as we push for the playoffs.”

— A.J. Preller, Padres General Manager

What’s next

The Padres will look to integrate Andujar into their lineup and see if he can provide a boost to their offense as they aim to compete in the NL West.

The takeaway

This signing demonstrates the Padres' commitment to building a well-rounded roster with versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways. Andujar's track record of offensive production and defensive flexibility make him an intriguing addition as the team looks to return to the playoffs.