The New York Yankees seemingly had no issues moving on from outfielder Alex Verdugo after the 2024 season.
If the Yankees are smart, they’ll avoid changing their mind.
Recent injuries to designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) and infielder DJ LeMahieu (calf) have raised questions about the Yankees acquiring another bat. The Yankees already confirmed Stanton will miss Opening Day, and a timetable for his return isn’t clear.
Two things can be true. The Yankees should definitely add a hitter, though there are far better options than Verdugo.
New York Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
We mean that with all due respect to Verdugo, a veteran lefty who played 149 games for the Yankees last year. However, it became glaringly apparent over the season that Verdugo wasn’t a good fit.
Verdugo hit .233 with a .291 on-base percentage, his worst since becoming a regular player in 2019. Although he recorded 28 doubles and 13 home runs, it’s never a good sign when a 28-year-old outfielder manages just a .647 OPS.
Yankees fans regularly shared their frustrations with Verdugo as the year went on. Most of his production came in the first half; Verdugo hit .228 with only three home runs and a disappointing .606 OPS in his final 55 games.
To his credit, Verdugo hit .208 with a homer, eight RBI, and an impressive 8-7 K-BB ratio in 14 playoff games.
To be clear, Verdugo still appeals as a left-handed backup outfielder, and he has age on his side. He just doesn’t make sense for a Yankees team potentially needing to replace two starters—and, of course, fill the void Juan Soto left when he joined the New York Mets.
Verdugo, who has earned nearly $22 million in his career, likely needs to settle for a minor-league deal. We’ve previously suggested the Houston Astros make sense, especially as they’re committed to playing longtime second baseman Jose Altuve in left field.
We expect Verdugo will have a new home in the coming weeks, but not in the Bronx.
