Alex Verdugo, once a key player for the Boston Red Sox and a contributor to the New York Yankees’ 2024 MLB postseason run, finds himself in an unexpected situation: his free-agent market has come to a standstill.
Despite being considered one of the best position players available, Verdugo has yet to receive a single contract offer since becoming a free agent last fall, according to a report by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic on Tuesday.
Earlier in the offseason, rumors linked Verdugo to teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates. However, both teams opted to sign other outfielders—Anthony Santander and Tommy Pham, respectively—leaving Verdugo without a clear path to a new team.
The outfielder spent the 2024 season with the Yankees, appearing in 149 regular-season games and every inning of their 14-game postseason series. Despite his consistent performance, the Yankees chose to bolster their outfield by acquiring Cody Bellinger and placing their trust in top prospect Jasson Dominguez, effectively closing the door on Verdugo’s return.
Verdugo: From promise to uncertainty
Verdugo’s career began with promise as a top prospect with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was traded to the Red Sox in the blockbuster deal that sent Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. After three seasons in Boston, Verdugo was traded to the Yankees, where he earned $8.7 million in his final year of arbitration in 2024.
However, his current free-agent situation suggests that his next contract will fall far short of that figure. The lack of interest from MLB teams has surprised many, given Verdugo’s track record and potential.
What’s next for Verdugo?
The current stalemate raises questions about Verdugo’s next move. Will he consider accepting a minor league contract to prove his value, or will he continue to wait for a guaranteed MLB offer? The uncertainty surrounding his future has sparked speculation about the factors contributing to his decline in the free-agent market.