Traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees last offseason, left fielder Alex Verdugo had a bit of a tumultuous 2024 campaign. Though the 28-year-old consistently provided spectacular defense, his lackluster offensive performance certainly raised questions as to whether or not the outfielder is worth bringing back for 2025. Now a free agent, Verdugo repeatedly stated throughout last season that he wishes to return to the Bronx, but unfortunately for him, it may not be in the cards simply due to the Yankees’ roster situation. Regardless of whether or not they want to bring him back, Verdugo can and will provide decent value to whichever team he suits up for in 2025.
“I definitely want to be back in pinstripes to help us win one.”
Alex Verdugo was asked about his future with the Yankees: pic.twitter.com/B508v9c3o4
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 31, 2024
Alex Verdugo Could Still Bring Value as Free Agent After Up-and-Down Season
Free Agent Value
Though perhaps not as highly touted in the outfield market as his ’24 teammate, Juan Soto, Verdugo will certainly be sought after in free agency. The left-hander may have had a down year offensively in 2024, but he has been a legitimate threat at the plate in the past. His OPS of .647 this past season was almost 100 points lower than his career OPS of .742, meaning that he is capable of making offensive adjustments so that he isn’t a burden to his team’s lineup.
His real value, however, comes in the form of his stellar glove. According to Baseball Savant, Verdugo ranked in the 96th and 94th percentiles in arm value and arm strength, respectively. He also registered 7 outfield assists this season, as well as 12 in 2023 (1st in the AL). If this isn’t proof enough of how much Verdugo brings to the table defensively, simply look at why he got the starting nod in left field over Jasson Domínguez in this past postseason: it’s because of how well he patrols left field, which arguably offsets some of his struggles at the plate. This is the primary reason why he will be of considerable interest in free agency.
Interested Teams
Most notably, the Miami Marlins have been linked to Verdugo to bolster their outfield depth, with Jesús Sánchez being their lone designated starter in the outfield. The Marlins are also a young team, so having an experienced veteran like Verdugo could be just what their young players need. The Athletics are another young team that could benefit from having an outfielder like Verdugo in the mix. Other teams that could make good use of Verdugo’s services are the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins; both teams have holes in the outfield and could use a left-handed bat in the lineup.
Return to the Bronx?
There is, of course, the off chance that Verdugo stays in New York. However, this is unlikely simply because his role would be much more diminished than if he were to go to another team. Verdugo would likely see a platoon role rather than a starting one, with Domínguez likely to secure a starting spot in the outfield. The 28-year-old could easily be a starter for a team with less outfield depth, which would also translate to more money than if the Yankees were to re-sign him. While it remains possible, especially because of his desire to stay in pinstripes, Verdugo may be better off playing left field somewhere else.
Regardless of where the left fielder ends up signing, there is little doubt about the value of his services. 2024 wasn’t Verdugo’s best display (at least offensively), but he still showcased his other tools that could be of great use to a lot of teams in 2025 and beyond.
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
