Alex Verdugo is coming off a disappointing season with the Yankees. Despite primarily playing left field at a park that favors left-handed hitters, he managed only a .647 OPS. His postseason numbers didn’t improve much, dropping to .622 OPS, and he infamously recorded the final out of the World Series by striking out against now-Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler—a rather inglorious way to wrap up the season. Unsurprisingly, given his subpar performance last year, Verdugo remains unsigned with the season just weeks away.
Verdugo was originally part of the notorious Mookie Betts trade in February 2020 and turned out to be the most impactful piece for the Red Sox, posting respectable numbers during his four-year stint in Boston. However, his competition in Boston was relatively light, as Connor Wong only began receiving regular playing time in the past two seasons, and Jeter Downs was designated for assignment in 2022.
Former Red Sox Alex Verdugo is still without a new home as Opening Day gets closer
The Red Sox dealt Verdugo to the Yankees in December 2023, acquiring three pitchers in return, just before New York landed Juan Soto. He started the season strong, with his OPS reaching .812 in early May, but his performance declined after a June series in Boston. Following his home run against the Red Sox on June 14, he managed to hit just four more for the rest of the season.
Verdugo’s underlying metrics don’t paint a promising picture either. His average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate all ranked below the 33rd percentile last season.
Despite his offensive struggles, it’s still surprising that he remains unsigned. He displayed strong plate discipline, keeping his chase and whiff rates low and striking out in only 15% of his plate appearances. Additionally, he remains a reliable defender with a strong arm and is still just 28 years old. While a long-term commitment wouldn’t be wise, Verdugo could be a worthwhile addition on a one-year “prove-it” deal for a team seeking value.
