Alex Verdugo of the Boston Red Sox, now traded to the New York Yankees. Photo by Bob Kupbens via Getty Images
For only the eighth time in the last 50 years, the Yankees and Red Sox have made a trade.
The Yankees have acquired left-handed outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox. In exchange, Boston acquires three pitchers: Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts (the Yankees’ No. 12 prospect), and Nicholas Judice.
LA to Boston to NY
Verdugo originated in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, and was traded to Boston in the 2019 offseason as part of the Mookie Betts blockbuster. He played 142 games in 2023, in which he hit .264 with 13 home runs, 37 doubles, and 54 RBI. While not known for his speed, Verdugo was a Gold Glove finalist and carries an edge to his game.
He is primarily a right fielder, having played all games in that position last season. However, he does have some experience in left field, so if the Yankees plan on keeping him and not flipping him in a trade for Juan Soto, he can be moved around. However, with Aaron Judge already in right field, it is not expected that Judge will be moved to center as he recovers from his toe injury, so perhaps Verdugo is not the greatest fit.
Fiery Personality
There have also been issues with Verdugo’s personality that may clash with the Yankees’ clubhouse. Fans may recall when he got into an altercation with fans in right field of Yankee Stadium. He was benched twice in Boston, once for showing up late for a game, and once for not hustling.
“I don’t feel any hard feelings,” Verdugo said about the trade. “I don’t feel bad about it. For me, there were certain things that could have maybe handled a little bit differently. I kind of dealt with that my whole entire career. I’m used to it in that regard.”
There’s also the conundrum of Alex currently donning number 99, which he will obviously have to change as long as Aaron Judge is his teammate. And the shaving of his iconic beard, which he will have to do.
Alas, those are minor problems and the Yankees are hopeful that Verdugo will help bolster their anemic offense, which was ranked 25th last season. But if they are serious about improving and contending, Verdugo must not be the only major move made.
