MLB trade rumors: Miguel Andujar responds to Yankees showing interest in Manny Machado

Yankees rookie third baseman Miguel Andujar addressed the Manny Machado trade rumors before Tuesday night’s game in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE — Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar had a curious look on his face Tuesday afternoon when a pack of media crowded his locker, then he let out a little chuckle when hearing the reason for this gathering was the newest Manny Machado trade rumors.

So what does Andujar think of the recent report that “the Yankees are showing increased interest” in making a blockbuster deal before the July 31 trade deadline for a five-time All-Star who would steal his starting job?

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“As you know, those are things that I have no control of,” Andujar responded in Spanish with team interpreter Marlon Abreu doing the translating. “To me, it’s about doing what I can and worrying about what I need to do here. At the end of the day, rumors and all that stuff … it’s out of my hands.”

The Athletic reported on Monday that the Yankees are interested in Machado, who surely will be moved by the end of the month because both he’ll be a free agent after the season and the Orioles took a 25-66 record into Tuesday’s game.

“It doesn’t worry me,” Andujar said. “It doesn’t. Ever since I’ve been playing professional baseball in the minor leagues, there has always been someone ahead of me. So it doesn’t worry me. Like I keep saying, it’s about giving the best I have and trying to help the team as much as I can.”

The Yankees are considered an extreme longshot to trade for Machado because they’re happy with Andujar, who is one of baseball’s most productive rookies, and they feel that their No. 1 need is a frontline starting pitcher.

“My job is to attack weakness,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman told the New York Post on Tuesday. “I don’t think third base is a problem. I think it is a strength, not only with Andujar, but with (Triple-A third baseman Brandon) Drury in the wings. And I would argue if all hell broke loose, (rookie second baseman) Gleyber Torres could go there as well.”

According to the Baltimore Sun, seven clubs have made trade offers for Machado, a former third baseman who is playing shortstop this season and badly wants to stay at short.

The Sun listed five teams as “top suitors” for Machado in order: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

It’s unknown if the Orioles would trade Machado to a division rival, but what the Yankees have going for them is they have one of baseball’s best and deepest farm systems.

And so, until Machado is moved or the Yankees come out and say they have no interest, the rumors won’t die.

Andujar found out about the Yankees’ interest in Machado the same way many did.

“Not one person has told me directly,” he said. “It was rumors and social media.”

Andujar has emerged as a rising star this season after not making the Yankees’ club out of spring training. He was called up two games into the season as a designated hitter option when center fielder Aaron Hicks went on the DL, became the fill-in third baseman a week later when Brandon Drury went on the DL and then played well enough to earn the starting job.

Through Monday, Andujar was hitting .279 with 12 homers and 39 RBI in 78 games. Among AL rookies, he ranked first in extra-base hits, and second behind Torres in homers, RBI and OPS.

Asked if he feels like he’s proven himself, Andujar said, “It’s about improving and getting better in your game and being more consistent all around. That’s what it’s all about.”

Machado, 26, took a .309 average, 21 homers and 60 RBI in 90 games into Tuesday’s game against the Yankees.

If the Yanks deal for Machado, it’s possible that Andujar could continue earning significant playing time either as a starting or platoon first baseman. He’s worked out at first base some with the Yankees to be an emergency option there, but never has played there as a pro.

He’s says he’s willing to change positions for Machado.

“I’m here to help the team at the end of the day,” Andujar said. “Whatever they ask me to do, I’m more than happy to do so.”

Randy Miller may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.