Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo saw his name floated around the trade deadline as a potential trade candidate, and though no trade ultimately came together, it’s worth noting that the club did field interest from clubs including both the Yankees and Astros regarding Verdugo at the deadline. With new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow now in place, the club’s focus figures to turn toward the offseason proper, and Verdugo once again makes sense as a trade candidate.
After all, the club has plenty of quality outfield options. Masataka Yoshida is entrenched in left field after a strong first stateside campaign, while the likes of Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela all represent solid young outfield options that the Red Sox have previously expressed belief in. Of that quartet, only Rafaela bats right-handed, so Verdugo’s presence does little to balance out the club’s heavily left-handed outfield mix. With just one year of team control remaining before Verdugo hits free agency, the 27-year-old sticks out as a prime trade candidate for a Boston club looking to pull itself back into contention after back-to-back last place finishes in the AL East.
That’s not to say Verdugo isn’t a quality player in his own right, of course. He’s been a roughly league average bat in each of the past three seasons, slashing .278/.334/.417 with a wRC+ of 102 since the start of the 2021 campaign. He paired that average offensive with above-average defense in right field this year, as he posted a solid +1 Outs Above Average alongside a more impressive +9 Defensive Runs Saved. Only Fernando Tatis Jr. had a higher DRS in right field this year, per Fielding Bible.
The lackluster free agent market for position players further bolsters Verdugo’s potential trade candidacy. While the top of the market features Cody Bellinger, who is coming off his best season since his 2019 MVP campaign, the rest of the market pales in comparison with the likes of Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Pham, and Jorge Soler among the group’s highlights. For teams in need of short-term outfield help, a one-year commitment to Verdugo (who MLBTR’s Matt Swartz projects to make $9.2MM in his final trip through arbitration) could make more sense than targeting one of those mid-tier free agents who could potentially be in search of a multi-year deal.
Teams that are unlikely to contend in 2023 are easy to eliminate from this exercise, as they wouldn’t particularly stand to benefit from a one-year deal with Verdugo. That would seem to eliminate the A’s, Nationals, Rockies, Royals, and White Sox from the list of potential teams. Teams without a significant need for a corner outfield bat are also fairly easy to eliminate. The Angels, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Orioles, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Tigers, and Twins all appear to be fairly set in the outfield corners. That still leaves 12 teams that could potentially have interest in Verdugo’s services, however. Let’s take a look at how they match up…
Best Fits:
- Astros: Houston was one of the teams linked to the Red Sox at the trade deadline, and it’s easy to see why given the club’s desire to acquire a left-handed outfielder to complement Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick, given the uncertain health situation of veteran Michael Brantley at the time. It stands to reason that the club’s interest in Verdugo would continue into this offseason, with Brantley set to hit free agency and leave an opening in the club’s left field mix. Verdugo would provide quality defense in left field and complement the right-handed bats of McCormick and Meyers alongside fellow lefty Kyle Tucker, who figures to play every day in right.
- Braves: The Braves hold a $9MM option on the services of Eddie Rosario for the 2024 season, and while Rosario bounced back from a brutal 2022 campaign to post league average offensive numbers this year, Verdugo would be a more consistent player with stronger defense at roughly the same financial cost. The clear upgrade Verdugo provides for the Braves over their current left field mix makes Atlanta a strong potential landing spot for Verdugo, who would join Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuna Jr. in the outfield while allowing Marcell Ozuna to remain as the club’s regular DH.
- Dodgers: As unusual as it would be for the Dodgers to trade for Verdugo just four seasons after including him in the package that brought Mookie Betts from Boston to LA, Verdugo would be an excellent fit for the Dodgers, who are set to lose lefty corner bats David Peralta and Jason Heyward to free agency this offseason. Though a healthy season from Gavin Lux would allow Betts to patrol right field on a regular basis again in 2024 after spending much of 2023 on the infield dirt, the club still figures to be in need of an outfield regular alongside Betts and James Outman. Additionally, Verdugo’s left-handed bat would complement the right-handed bat of Chris Taylor, who figures to play a utility role in both the infield and outfield next season.
- Mariners: After acquiring a one-year stopgap in right field last offseason when they landed Teoscar Hernandez in a trade with the Blue Jays, Seattle figures to once again be in need of corner outfield help this offseason. While Julio Rodriguez has locked down center field and Jarred Kelenic showed enough positive signs this year to warrant a regular role in left, the Mariners’ options beyond that duo are few and far between, with the likes of Cade Marlowe, Sam Haggerty and Taylor Trammell among their best choices. Verdugo, much like Hernandez this season, would provide the club with a quality regular who can lock down a corner spot and allow the Mariners to focus on other areas this offseason.
- Yankees: As rare as trades between the longtime rivals once were, they’ve become more common in recent years, including a deal that sent Greg Allen to New York earlier this year and a trade that moved Adam Ottavino to Boston back in 2021. While a Verdugo deal would be more significant than either of those two trades, the Yankees are in clear need of both left-handed bats to balance their lineup and could use two outfield bats to pair with Aaron Judge, assuming the club doesn’t want to count on Giancarlo Stanton as an everyday outfielder. Verdugo would fill both of those needs without adding another long-term contract to a payroll in New York that features five guaranteed contracts that extend through 2026 or longer.
Next Tier Down:
- Guardians: The Guardians are well-established as a team in need of outfield help. Though Steven Kwan figures to remain entrenched in left field and Myles Straw is under contract in center long term, Ramon Laureano is a non-tender or trade candidate in right field and Straw could easily be pushed into a fourth outfielder role if Cleveland acquired an outfielder better suited to an everyday role. Verdugo would fit the club’s lineup nicely, taking over for Laureano in right field and offer a reliable bat to an outfield group that posted the second-worst wRC+ in the majors last year, 16% worse than league average. Unfortunately, the fit is less clean than it may appear, as Verdugo would immediately become the third highest-paid player on the club’s roster behind only Jose Ramirez and Shane Bieber. Given the Guardians typically run payrolls at or near the bottom of the league, the club may prefer to look for lower-cost fliers in free agency to boost their outfield production rather than spend both financial and prospect capital to bring in Verdugo.
- Marlins: Miami will see one of its best bats in Jorge Soler depart for free agency this offseason, leaving a clear hole in the lineup. While Soler was primarily used as a DH, the addition of Verdugo in the outfield would allow the club to platoon Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez, opening up the DH spot for an additional bat to improve a lackluster Marlins offense. That being said, given the presence of De La Cruz, Sanchez, and Avisail Garcia on the roster, Miami might be better served focusing on upgrading at shortstop, where the club currently projects to utilize Jon Berti as an everyday option.
- Padres: The outfield in San Diego is currently well-stocked, with superstars Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. in the corners and Trent Grisham getting the lion’s share of playing time in center. With that being said, rumors have already begun to percolate this offseason that the Padres could look to move Soto in trade this offseason in hopes of cutting payroll. If the club does move on from Soto, that would create a hole in left field that Verdugo could slide into nicely. Verdugo projects to make almost $24MM less than Soto in 2024, and while his bat is not nearly as valuable as Soto’s he provides significantly more defensive value and is a clearly capable everyday player in left, which the Padres would lack without Soto on the team. Of course, if the team doesn’t move on from Soto this offseason, San Diego would no longer be a fit for Verdugo’s services.
Longer Shots:
- Blue Jays: With Kevin Kiermaier set to depart for free agency this offseason, the Blue Jays will be in need of an outfield bat to pair with George Springer and Daulton Varsho, even as the likes of Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement provide reasonable depth options. While Verdugo could certainly fill that role, Toronto may not want to commit to Varsho as the club’s regular center fielder, seeing as the 26-year-old has never started more than 50 games at the position in a season during his career. What’s more, after a disappointing offensive season from the club, it’s reasonable to think the Blue Jays may prefer to add a bat with a stronger offensive profile than Verdugo, who’s 112 wRC+ in 106 games with the Dodgers during the 2019 season represents his best full season offensively.
- Mets: After parting with Mark Canha and Tommy Pham at the trade deadline, the Mets have a clear opening in left field where Verdugo would represent a clear improvement over the club’s incumbent options. That being said, the rumors have indicated that the club may look to take a bit of a step back in 2024 after a difficult 2023 campaign, and the club has plenty of young players who could feasibly take a step forward with regular playing time in 2024 including Bretty Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos. An opening in the outfield would allow the Mets to provide more playing time to those players, whether by directly playing them in left or by moving multi-positional veteran Jeff McNeil to left, thereby opening up time on the infield dirt.
- Phillies: Whether the Phillies look to add a first baseman or outfielder this offseason could hinge on where Bryce Harper hopes to play in 2024, but in the event Harper spends next season at first base, Verdugo could provide the club with a quality defensive outfielder who would provide more certainty than relying on the likes of Johan Rojas and Cristian Pache to play alongside Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos. That being said, Verdugo’s lefty bat makes for an imperfect fit in a Philadelphia lineup that already features Harper, Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryson Stott, further complicating Verdugo’s fit with the Phillies.
- Pirates: While the Pirates lack an obvious starter in the outfield alongside Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski, the club figures to continue attempting to convert catcher Henry Davis to the outfield in 2024, likely filling the club’s outfield mix at least in the early part of the season. What’s more, the annual low budgets in Pittsburgh make a deal for Verdugo seem even more unlikely, as the club would presumably look to reunite with veteran outfielder and franchise legend Andrew McCutchen, who is set to hit free agency this offseason, if they were to dedicate resources to their outfield mix.
I would love to see him on the Orioles
He is a good bal player
The problem with the article is the title mentions potential matches but then it doesn’t mention possible returns.
Dewey, the Sox need pitching. I thought you knew that?
I’m kind of with Dewey.
I think one reason they don’t mention returns here is that you don’t really know what you’re going to get with, not just for, Dugie.
A league average bat is fairly safe. But, 2023 showed a defensive improvement over prior seasons, tempered with a mid-season lack of hustle and motivation. You’d hope a platform year would keep him focused, but, you just don’t know.
I’m not sure how much teams would be willing to pay for that type of production, and only one year of control. This *may* be a case of a rare player worth more as a mid-season rental than a full-year, since at the deadline a contender would have an urgent hole to plug.
At $9m-ish for a salary hit, it may be better to roll with him to start the year, let a youngster open at AAA and take Verdugo spot in a mid-season trade. Eat the entire 3.3m-ish he’d be owed, and perhaps extract a bigger return from a contender who can plug him in at no cbt cost to the acquiring team.
Otherwise, return ceiling may be a journeyman MIF, or, a high-a pitching arm headlining your deal.
At least one poster suggested a Yankees trade for Torres. I’d consider that if the money was balanced. Then you look to other deals or signers for pitching. Unless Dugie is used as a secondary piece I. a huge trade, he’s not returning a difference maker for the starting staff.
With so many possibilities whatever they listed would be generic. He’s solid and is a left handed hitter but not a splashy game changing move some are making him out to be. I think the Yankees make the most sense due to previous interest and a need to balance the lineup with a couple left handers
Seth – The Yankees are going bigger for the OF, like Soto-level bigger. Verdugo is very average, basically another Trot Nixon.
The Orioles are probably the last team in baseball that needs him. They are absolutely loaded on outfielders, between their major and upper minor league rosters. Their focus this off-season should be squarely on pitching.
they are loaded with outfielders with middling arms
Verdugo is pretty meh, somewhere between a low-grade 3rd or 4th OF.
Just as Cora would like you to believe?
I haven’t spoken to Joey in a while. I base my evaluation on Verdugo on watching the guy and looking at his stats.
Pete – Average would be a #2, not #3 or #4.
Fever — Let’s say, uninspiring.
The Os have a lot of older prospects (24-25) who need to be up next year, I doubt they want to add more to that logjam, more likely they will deal hitting prospects for pitching.
Sox also need pitching so they aren’t a good fit
Rivalry aside, the Yankees seem like a very solid fit in terms of price, time commitment and need.
That’s a pretty massive aside
I agree. A one for one swap of Gleyber Torres for Verdugo would work for both teams.
But Boston probably wants to play Story at 2B in a perfect world.
No they don’t. The whole reason they signed Story in the first place was to cover SS between Bogaerts and Mayer. They want Story at SS next year.
Story’s arm might not be up to SS work anymore. The Red Sox are in quite a pickle with him unless he can move to 2B and get his OPS up to at least 725.
Ejernp – You are half a pickle right. Story must play better but he’s just fine at SS. His arm had no issues in 2023 so 2024 will be even better as he build muscle memory and arm strength.
His bat has not been a $3mm a year bat let alone the $23.3MM Boston is paying him.
He is a candidate for a wise salary dump trade to a team needing a SS but only after he improves his league wide value.
So Story is a 6-year bridge?
His arm is fine. The questions about it were before he had the brace surgery on his elbow last January. When he came back in August through the end of the season there were no issues with his arm playing SS and no concerns about it going forward.
IM – I really hope not. He was a mistake but he has a role until Mayer is ready then he can either move to 2B if we have nothing better there or he can be moved if he hits well enough to justify $23.3.
Bad mistake by Bloom if he doesn’t prove he’s worth $23.3MM in the future.
If the Yankees pay the salary difference, it could work.
You think the Yankees part with the far superior player and throw in money? That’s an insane take
It’s not insane; it’s just a fan’s take!
For their careers, Gleyber has a 118 OPS+; Verdugo, 105. The last two years, Gleyber 115, Verdugo, 101. Gleyber 7 rWAR; Verdugo, 3.7.
Hit post too quickly. Basically, Gleyber’s the better hitter and has delivered twice the value the last two years. Verdugo is delivering a big chunk of his value with defense, and that’s not a highly sought out market for a corner OFer. The Red Sox would have to include a very good prospect to balance it out.
No matter. These teams aren’t doing a deal like this.
Dewey – Cashman is an idiot but no way Torres for Verdugo. Verdugo has far less value than Torres. Also, Verdugo as a slightly above league average outfielder with average defensive skills and Torres is a middle infielder who is higher above league average than Verdugo, can steal a dozen bases and hit two dozen home runs. No way you part with him for a completely replaceable guy that can be replaced for far less money.
If Cashman wants the deal it would be one sided and great for Boston but I don’t think he’s THAT dumb.
Saberstats don’t measure everything. Dugie played right full-time in 23 and was the best in the AL due to Judge’s injury. Torres on the other hand is erratic at time at second. Then add Dugie being left handed in Yankee Stadium and Torres a righty in Fenway The Yankees’ fan ase clamored for Bennie to return last year. To me, Verdugo is the better player today
Never happen. Torres. The Sox would market AV elsewhere. I don’t see a trade happening but someone else commented and I was adding my two cents.
We’ll agree to disagree. Torres at his suggested arb price is underwater in my view. He had a solid 23 but has been inconsistent absent last year. Even Dugie at his expected contract is underwater in my view. Regardless of anything, Boston is not bringing in a $15m second baseman unless the total trade is financially a wash. Their added payroll is for a megastar and/or starters.
Dewey – You think far more of Verdugo than his stats document his talent.
I stand by the fact that they are not close to equivalent and the numbers support that view emphatically.
Completely replaceable? They said that about Gardner, but still haven’t done so. At least for the Yankees, its not that easy.
Troll, the financial cost is also different. The Sox will not spend $15m for a second baseman unless there is financial consideration. Will the Yankees get offered more by another club? Then make that deal to free up the team’s infield jam. The Sox will spend but it will be for starting pitching and perhaps a superstar.
Gleyber is a much better player than Verdugo and plays a position where offense is harder to find
Yeah let’s trade the only gold glove caliber position player on the roster making them even worse. They really need to stop the bad roster building it’s getting ridiculous. I get why they want to move him but at some point they need to start addressing improving the defense and PITCHING!!.
Until this season everyone criticized his defense. Verdugo is likely more of an average defender than anything. He is the very definition of average player all around.
Tang it – Some of us still do. Watch his inability to reach up for a fly ball over either shoulder. He’s a weak outfielder from a path to the ball and hand/eye coordination over the shoulders standpint.
Don’t believe the bogus fielding metrics. There is at least a page worth of issues with their formulas and each metric provider does it differently with different results. Verdugo is a league average defender.
His .983 fielding % when league average is .987 says all you need to know about Verdugo’s defense. League average at best.
Some players simply play one position better than another. Left field on Fenwsy even with the wall is far easier to navigate than right. Dugie may just be better in right. Let’s see what the team does. They know starters and defense have to improve. If AV is traded, it won’t be the only one. He improved but Duran is not a centerfielder in my book and I can see either him or even Yoshida traded. Yoshida would take a miracle given the contract and his defense. Hopefully he adjusts and become good in Boston. At the end of the wintert meetings, I’m envisioning Yoshida in left, Ceddenes in center and someone not on the roster in right. Abreu is the lefty back up and both Duran and Dugie are gone.
Sorry I disagree on Duran and what his offense brought to the Sox last year. A very bad Aug and Sept were without Duran. His D improved a lot over the previous season and with his speed I’d expect it to continue to get better. Not to mention value is cheap contract wise. We need starting pitching no question, reliable pitching. Dugie won’t bring that back obviously. Ceddenes should be given a shot at second for now, but a lot depends on what happens at DH which could possibly place him in center and Duran in left. Ceddenes needs more bat seasoning at AAA yet but he is somewhat close to making the jump. Dugie is the odd man out, and somehow should be added to a package for SP
Realistically if you play the kids you play Duran in left, Rafaela in center, and Abreu in right. I would also have Valdez down in Florida working on his second base defense all off season. I would start Valdez at second if he can be league average defensively this would free Reyes to be the utility player. If Valdez struggles defensively then you can put Reyes back in at second. Valdez’s bat is just to intriguing to not at least try him out of spring training at second.
Dewey my guess is your basing your defensive comments on Abreu because he looks kinda big but he’s deceptively athletic. He doesn’t look the part but he’s actually been quite good defensively in right field and even center in the minors.
Dewey – You are really a Bloom type guy. Talent evaluation is not your forte.
I’m flabbergasted at your comments. Verdugo has proven to be bad defensively in RF. Since his bat sucks and doesn’t justify his high payroll numbers why hang on to him to prevent the great young farm hands from playing the outfield spots. Rafaela, Duran and Anthony with Abreu as the bridge to Anthony and then he becomes the 4th OFer when Anthony arrives. A four man outfield that costs under $4MM!!!
Trading Verdugo makes sense if you can get value out of his league average numbers but it’s not likely unless he’s coupled with a star like Devers or Yoshida.
Defense and pitching wins games and Boston has neither right now so the immediate fix must be to change that. No more Devers or Yoshida in the field and FA TWO star SPs.
Bruin1012 – Because RF is the toughest field in Fenway I think Rafaela is made for that field. A younger version of Mookie Betts. Duran is still questionable as to his hitting but his speed and improving defense makes him perfect for CF and Anthony/Abreu in LF. If Anthony turns out to be a better defender with good enough speed to play center, THEN Duran goes to LF.
I hope this is the biggest issue with the three future stars!!! Maybe we are too picky right now disagreeing about position before they prove their worth.
Maybe it was a small sample size or nerves but Abreu looked lost in the outfield when I watched (granted I didn’t watch as much in September).
Troll. No need to get into an an argument but Dugie was great in right last year. Perfect? No but overall great in my view. That said, I indicated in another post I envision RF being manned next year by someone not on the roster. If a good offer came, I trade Duran who despite improvements (he could only go up), is still not a plus outfielder in my view. He takes bad routes and has no arm. If he doesn’t back up his bat in 24, he loses value big time. Trades are always a risk but I would try to package Duran for a top end arm.
Troll. At least one young outfielder is gone as trade bait for a starter or in a fantasy world Soto. I trade Duran. I agree on Ceddenes as I’ve called him Mookie 2.0. We can always hope but I do not trade him.
Marlins were rumored to be in on Cabrera for Turner until Chaim nixed it. Would call them back to see if they’d deal him as a young controllable arm for a Dugie
I’d love to see the Sox buy somewhat low on Edward Cabrera, but it would take more than just Verdugo to land him.
I think Verdugo is a talented guy who doesn’t have the focus or self discipline to be fully successful on his own.
I think the Astros, Dodgers, and Braves all have the kind of culture/infrastructure that would help him take his game to another level.
The Mariners haven’t shown an ability to make a hitter better. I think he gets totally eaten alive in NY.
I don’t think he is impactful enough to move the needle in Cleveland. I don’t see a fit in Miami.
The article states “Masatake Yoshida is entrenched in left field after a strong first stateside campaign.” Really? He had 1.4 bWAR (fWAR had him at 0.6), and there is much talk of making him a DH as his defense is truly poor and unlikely to improve as he ages.
Yeah, it was a bad signing. Huge overpay. Bloom chose to pay Yoshida and Story a combined $40 million per season for the next four years, instead of paying up for Bogaerts when they had the chance to get him on a somewhat reasonable extension. One of the many reasons that Bloom is no longer GM.
HBan22 – Make that $41.3MM !!!
Great points!!
It was his first season in Fenway. His defense at least at home should improve.
I would like to see Masa DH and let the kids play in the outfield. Duran in left, Rafaela in Center, and Abreu in right. The defense is really good with this outfield. I am concerned about Rafaela offensively but his defense should be stellar in center. It should be a year where the team figures out what they have and if the young guys hit they can challenge for a playoff spot.
Bruin1012 – SPOT ON!!! Let Abreu get time until Anthony is ready. They you have a qualify back-up and an outfield that costs less than $4MM with the back-up!! Lots more money for pitching.
Abreu in my view is strictly a DH if he gets regular playing time. He CANNOT play right in Fenway. I hope I’m proven wrong but I saw nothing last year to suggest he can man ANY outfield position.
Abreu has been a well above average defender in the outfield in the minors watched him a lot he is very good defensively he takes good routes he’s sneaky fast and has a great accurate arm. Those are the traits you need in right field at Fenway. I would be more concerned about his offense if he gets too passive again or if his in the strike zone swing and miss is higher then I think it will be.
Abreu is taking over right if Verdugo is traded.
Bruin1012 – Think positive. WHEN not IF.
TJ5960 – Agreed, Yoshida will be the DH most games he plays in 2024. He is a terrible defensive OF. Not playing the World Baseball classic before the season, and DHing will keep his legs fresher and should help his offense in 2024.
I hope the M’s do not trade for him.
The Red Sox Nation will ask for George Kirby; I would proffer Preamber Berroa.
For the Yankees, I’d be much more inclined to trade for Verdugo than sign Bellinger to a long-term deal. RS will obviously charge them an inter-divison tax for any trade. If it’s indeed a bridge year for the Yankees and they play Peraza, then a Gleyber for Verdugo and some prospects from each side could make sense. Just spitballing.
Verdugo should be traded for pitching. If it’s an everyday player, the money needs to match. A simple one for one with the Yankees kicking in money could work. I don’t though see Breslow help the Yankees save on their tax bill.
@dewey I don’t see why the Yankees should kick in money in a 1-for-1 scenario. Verdugo’s best WAR season doesn’t even match Torres’ worst except for one. Breslow should be doing what helps the org. Can’t control another teams’ finances.
Yankee and Dewey – Torres and Verdugo aren’t even close. Torres ranks much higher in value due to his position and higher OPS+
Verdugo needs to be packaged with Yoshida or Devers so the team has just one full time DH. My preference is to trade Devers and Verdugo to STL for Arenado and Matz. The money is a wash in 2024 but Devers is younger with a longer contract. Matz’s $11MM per year is only 2 years and Verdugo’s money estimated at $9.2 MM in 2024 is for only one year.
Arenado is a massive upgrade from Devers due his elite defense and STL moves Jordan back to his original position and replaces his outfield spot with Verdugo. Boston uses Matz as pitching depth but since he’s left handed, that’s unique pitching depth.
Money matters. I thought Torres was $6m more in 24. I don’t see other teams paying him that in 25. Going into 23, Yankee fans wanted him gone, now he’s Joe Morgan…
Dewey – Torres made $9.5MM in 2023 and based on his 118 OPS+ he is projected to make $14.6MM in 2024. Verdugo made $6.3MM in 2023 and based on his 100 OPS+ his 2024 projected salary is $9.2MM.
There are a lot of 100 OPS+ outfielders available for less than $9.2MM but there are NOT a lot of middle infielders with a 118 OPS+ making $14.6MM or less. Verdugo is more easily replaced therefore has far less trade value than Torres.
I don’t see many teams paying Torres his arb number in 23 and believe unless they give him away, the Yankees will have to kick in something be it $$ or a minor leaguer.
If I’m the Red Sox I take Torres for Verdugo in a heartbeat. Torres has more control, plus offense and his defense is passable for 2nd base. Love Verdugo’s personality but he’s an average player, I’d rather Rafaela take his reps.
Torres is in his last year of arb as well.
His hearing will be held later? Does that give him more control? Lol
The other option if AV remains is let Ceddenes fight for the 2B job. I’m thinking Breslow will look to change things by selling on Duran high. Did he find himself or was last season a fluke? An argument could be made Duran was the team’s MVP last year. I’m just not sure he can do it again. Even if he does, I can’t see the team winning with him and Yoshida in the outfield.
Angels need to improve offensive output from the outfield. Also improve outfield defense. Mickey Moniak, strikes out more than he puts the ball in. Both Moniak and Adell, should be trade candidates for Bullpen help. Need to focus money on improving pitching and the bench
I think short of Bellinger, playing a motivated Verdugo or Kepler in CF next year would be a solid play for NY. Even though playing them off the corners reduces their overall value.
I would take Verdugo every day of the week over Herr Kepler.
Herr Kepler nicht so gut?
Padres could use him and trade Grisham
You have the right idea but would take more than Grisham, Maybe also include Barlow and another pitching prospect.
I didn’t necessarily mean for Grisham I just meant as an overall upgrade
I think Grisham being moved somewhere and Tatis slotting in at CF makes a lot of sense.
Pads need to keep Grisham. Solid defense. Great presence in the clubhouse, too.
Red Sox and Yankees don’t make trades for anyone of any significance. Verdugo is still young and is a good player. They won’t match up.
Verdugo is far from a significant player. It’s debatable that he’s even worth 9 mil
He’s significant enough that he would not be traded to the Yankees. The few trades they ve made have pretty much all been bottom of the roster types. Aside from the Ruth deal. There is no way these 2 teams trade everyday players.
Tiger, the teams have made a few other significant deals:
Lyle for Cater and Guerrero;
Baylor for Easler;
Ottovino more recently.
So they ve made one deal of consequence in almost 30 yrs. I’m sorry I just don’t see the 2 likely making a trade involving Verdugo.
I didn’t say he was significant, I said a player of significance. He can be a player who helps out in the future, which does equal significance. The type of player who gets traded amongst these teams is Greg Allen and Stephen Drew. Adam Ottavino was a player the Yankees desperately wanted off their books but nobody else wanted him. Alex Verdugo is far better than these 3 players
I mean, I get it – good work. But in the end, Verdugo is not really a difference maker. He’s a fine acquisition, I suppose, but he isn’t going to push the needle and be the difference between making the postseason and watching it form the couch. He’s one of those players that you kind of just shrug your shoulders about. Nice player, but meh.
rememberthecoop – EXACTLY. He’s got one year left and he’s not a long term starter on a good team. He’s a bench quality player. A nice fourth outfielder if he can get it through his head his skills are worth about $7MM a year and he could easily be replaced by a controlled player making under $1MM per year.
He’s basically Bennie but does Boston win in 18 if Bennie doesn’t make the greatest catch of his life?
I’d love to see him on the Astros, I think the clubhouse culture and coaching staff could unlock his true potential. I could definitely see the braves or dodgers doing just that as well as they develop players.
Verdugo’s personality would not seem to jive at all with the Astros demeanor. They are very straight laced and uber-serious. I think Verdugo would feel stifled.
I can see that, perhaps you’re right. I just liked the idea of a lefty outfielder to keep yordan from killing his knees.
The Guardians not being a fit has less to do with his projected arbitration salary and more to do with the fact that their lineup is almost entirely left handed already. The article mentioned that as part of the reason he could be expendable in Boston but not why he probably won’t be a fit in Cleveland.
Obviously they need more offense period, but the only right handed hitters in their current lineup are Gabriel Arias, who oddly had reverse splits and couldn’t hit at all against lefties, and Myles Straw, who oddly couldn’t hit at all against anyone. Jose is a switch hitter but the rest of the lineup is entirely left handed, as are their top hitting prospects like Manzardo, DeLauter, and Valera.
That’s partially on the front office for building an unbalanced lineup that isn’t particularly good anyway, but if there’s a reason Verdugo doesn’t make sense for them, that’s it.
Any team who wants Verdugo should look at the Twins Kepler instead
Kepler undoubtedly is better but will have a higher price tag. Verdugo is a bounceback candidate, younger, and healthy. Perhaps a change of scenery may also help him.
Yankee – Hard to bounce back from being slightly above league average. Does he bounce to slightly above league average? Since the COVID year his OPS+ has been 107, 102 and 100. So he bounces back to 107?
He’s barely above league average for 3 years now. That’s a valid trend. AND they project him to make $9.2MM. That’s as ridiculous as paying a lifetime .239 hitter $10MM. Bloom did that. Breslow won’t. If he can’t trade Verdugo, he may simply non-tender him and look to the future with young homegrown outfielders.
Hitting in the Bronx likely doubled his HR production, increases his RBIs, etc
Dewey – There is no way to back that comment with documentation.
He might choke in NY like many do. He might double (ok that’s a hyperbole suggestion) his HRs. His RBIs are going to increase on a team that scores less runs?
Verdugo might like the limelight of NY or he might find it far more difficult. The kid is very unpredictable. Nothing would make me happier than the trade you guys keep talking about but Cashman as much as I hate him isn’t that stupid.
@trollfree
So he’s better than half the players in MLB, you say?
No, just no
Where Sea is with their roster and being competitive, I don’t think Verdugo is the impact bat they’re looking for.
Mookie Betts and Brusdar Graterol lol
I believe it’s premature to include the White Sox with the A’s, Nationals, Rockies and Royals as a team that’s unlikely to contend in 2023, not with the ChiSox residing in the AL Central. We’ll have a better idea 5 days after the conclusion of the World Series, no later than November 9th, as to the direction of the club under new GM Chris Getz. That is the deadline for their option decision on longtime SS Tim Anderson. If the White Sox pick it up it would be a good indication that the team plans to reload/retool as ‘contenders’ heading into the 2024 season.
There are already rumblings that the front office might target veterans like C Salvador Perez and 2B/OF Whit Merrifield this offseason, players with KC Royals ties to Getz, manager Pedro Grifol and others at the top of their organization. If true, that would indicate the White Sox plan to compete sooner rather than later. If that scenario comes to pass then Alex Verdugo would be a relatively cheap trade option to fill their longstanding hole in RF in 2024.
If the White Sox fizzle come mid-summer, then veterans like Anderson, Verdugo, Whitfield and Perez could become decent trade cheaps by the summer deadline.
Yeah 2 outfielders who can’t hit for power. Not a good look. neither is adding a 2nd yuge catcher contract. Both sound like head scratching ws moves though. And u r right, playing in the AL central def keeps them out of that bottom tier
I’m hardly endorsing these proposed moves, just reporting on recent rumblings from baseball writers including White Sox beat writer Scott Merkin. Don’t shoot the messenger!
That said, this approach makes some sense for a team with an aging owner who appears ready to sell sooner rather than later. Jerry Reinsdorf has himself indicated that he doesn’t have the stomach for another protracted rebuild at 87 years of age.
As for Verdugo, he’s long been a rumored target of the White Sox for their long lasting gaping hole in RF. As a poster child for average MLB player, his offense and defense the past 5 seasons would have trumped the AAAA numbers the White Sox have endured in RF during that same time period. More importantly for Jerry and the front office is the fact that Verdugo won’t cost too much in trade assets or 2024 salary compared to a certain other potentially available left handed hitting corner outfielder with one more year of arbitration control, Juan Soto.
@Asaps
You may not be endorsing them, but you are drinking the kool-aid if you call those moves a retool/reload.
What would you call it? The White Sox incessant retooling/reloading in the absence of a full-on rebuild is what prompted former GM Rick Hahn to state that the team was “mired in mediocrity” when he approached Jerry Reinsdorf and Kenny Williams with the need to finally implement the latter approach in mid-2015 following the infamous James Shield trade acquisition.
We don’t really need an outfield replacement unless it is a right-handed power bat with some contact skills. I don’t really see any available unless teams dangle one. Duvall doesn’t really fit the bill for contact but is a better fall back than Teoscar. He strikes out 200+ and will cost more. Trade Verdugo for pitching help and just let the two kids play in right. Save the money and spend it on even more pitching.
Unless we get two massive starting pitching upgrades this team is toast next year anyway. Go big or go home. Patching the rotation with relievers again is just a recipe for having a bad rotation filled with guys that can’t get past the 6th burning out a weak, thin bullpen.
William – 2 SPs definitely highest need. But a close second is Devers and Yoshida retiring their gloves. By doing so, one must be traded along with Verdugo. Pitching is an excellent suggestion for what they should get in returnn when traded but I’m still hoping for a masasive upgrade at 3B with Arenado and Matz to help the pitching for Devers and Verdugo.
The suggested trade immediately fixes the 3B defense and LF defense which are the two biggest problems for the pitching staff.
No way the Cards trade for Devers and more unrealistic is trading Devers at all unless there was a prior move like Ohtani. Second, I think Yoshida can and will improve at home. My concern is center unless Ceddenes wins the job. Duran has no arm and even with improvements is not a good CFer
Devers just signed an extension he is going nowhere
Dewey = No offense but what you think is irrelevant. The numbers say Yoshida couldn’t field in Japan and now he’s proven that in Boston. It’s like think Devers will improve after he set the all time record of leading the league at errors 6 years in a row. He competed with guys who played their whole careers at 3B and only amassed 6 seasons. He’s done it in 6 seasons!!! How stupid must the front office be to keep him there and kill the pitching staff with his defense. Same with Yoshida.
You need to acknowledge that the team defense is crap and needs to be fixed. Your bandaid suggestions won’t move the dial off .500 winning percentage.
Why would Cards want to downgrade at 3B and add to their logjam in the OF?? The Cards are looking for pitching, your proposed trade makes absolutely zero sense whatsoever.
Tiger – Are you a Cardinal fan? Did you know that Jordan was the 3B of the future in STL until they traded for Arenado? If they move him in from the outfield to be the future 3B like they originally planned then there is a vacant spot in the OF and wow Verdugo can compete for that spot. Personally it’s not an upgrade from what is there now but it buys 1 year for the farm OFers to become ready.
Your answer suggests you really don’t know jack about the Cardinals so I guess I’m saying your comments make absolutely zero sense whatsoever!!
I’m well aware of what Walker was drafter as. I’m also well aware that Arenado is one of the best defensive 3B to ever play the game. So no trading to make room to become worse defensively and offensively at 3B for a minimal upgrade in the OF makes absolutely no sense.
You are creating pipe dream scenarios that make no logical sense. STL is looking to upgrade pitching. Not make trades to make their lineup worse and give up a pitcher at the same time. It is an absolute asinine trade scenario that makes zero sense.
I should trade him for Shane Bieber in a one for one swap
Verdugo is not a fit in Cleveland. Cleveland needs a right-handed bat with a little pop, not another lefty hitter that struggles versus lefty pitching.
I should trade him for Shane Bieber
Craig breslow’s burner account.
He ain’t coming back2 Dodgers. Been there done that n they sold high on em. He’s nvr produced like he was supposed2, hit4 avg w/sum pop, 9MILLION Dollars don’t buy much these days.
Fillerjoe?
Verdugo would be a nice fit in SF. Maybe MILW, too. The guy can hit.
Marlins, Verdugo for Luzardo or Garrett.
I never realized so many MLB teams need Alex Verdugo.
Stop with the Yankee proposals. What’s it gonna take the Braves to give up in order to get him. This is a more realistic option imo.
Does Shuster & a prospect get it done or maybe Dodd & a prospect ????
Just my opinion, but if it takes a full bag of baseballs, that’s more than the Braves should pay. Verdugo wouldn’t be any sort of marked improvement over Eddie, and the Braves would be better served investing their resources in one more SP.
If they do move on from Eddie, I want Joc back anyway. I think he brought something to the club personality-wise that the Braves need. He has a swagger to him, similar to what Harper brings to Philly. Obviously they’re not on the same talent level as players, but it’s just the makeup.
Been there done that with Joc. He is done. He is not an everyday player.
I am not saying Verdugo is the answer but much rather him than Eddie or Joc but that doesn’t necessarily mean I even want him.
Much rather get Santander if anything. But I don’t know if we have what the Orioles want. They are contenders so I am assuming they want ready now players. More than likely pitchers and I don’t know that the Braves have that to offer.
I’m going to pushback against the idea Joc is done. If you project out his away splits for a full season, they’re respectable. Plus they don’t need an elite offensive player in LF given the depth in the order. I think he’d be affordable, would cost nothing in prospects… and the Braves could use their resources to find that one more SP that they need
Verdugo would benefit from a change of scenery. After those two reported run-ins with Cora his offense looked disinterested. Sox will be treading water in ’24, so the idea of waiting t’ll the trade deadline would probably improve his return.
Who would want Verdugo? He’s good at a lot of things but great at none of them. Basically what Andrew Benintendi was. I’m sure we can trade him but the return won’t be anything crazy.
Why would the Sox want gleyber, his defense sucks and they already have a way better second baseman in Pablo Reyes.
I never thought I would live long enough to hear someone say Pablo Reyes is better than Gleyber Torres. I understand the glove argument, but the second basemen (what they would be playing) is forced by the rules of Major League Baseball to have at bats. Lots of at bats. 4 or so a game. Hundreds over a season. When the difference will end up being about 20+ home runs, and over 30+ RBI’s you start thinking, well, maybe Pablo Reyes may not be better.
I don’t think this trade is workable at all. If I was the Red Sox I would take it in a second, which is why it isn’t workable.
Who cares about the extra 20 homers when they are solo shots in an empty lineup. Gleyber give the Sox at least 2 to 3 wins a year on a lazy error. Pablo was a spark this year and is winning kind of player.
I think you just made a point that 20+ HR’s and an extra 30+ RBI’s makes no difference to an empty lineup? Did I get that right? The goal is emptier line up because you have an empty line up?
None of it matters because it isn’t going to happen, but wow. If Pablo is the answer to any question, we have way too many questions. I do think he is not a terrible answer as a backup utility player. I don’t like his bat for that role, but he can make plays.
When Lux comes back it will be to play SS, the position he was expected to play this year. His return displaces nobody because Rojas is gone, and has nothing to do with Betts, who played a lot of 2B only after Vargas was sent down. So the return of Lux makes no difference to where Betts plays. What would is Vargas showing he’s ready, or the Dodgers signing or trading for a 2B. The other part of this formula is the Dodgers seem to be interested in having Betts play more 2B as a way of preserving their investment in him.
So are they going to be looking at Verdugo? Probably not. If they plan to continue the OF platoon they used last year, they more likely stick with Heyward. Beyond that, if they’re looking for another OF the real need is another RHB.
Not gonna lie this list is such a cop out
Duggie to the Dodgers for Betts ( Dodgers pick up 300 million of contract) that’s the least they can do for taking Brasier from us( and saving his career) but still taking him… ( cause we released him) but the fact is he was with the Dodgers and damn good ( better than he was ever with us)… except when he drilled the sloth catcher( on accident)….
Braves for a couple of pitching prospects. Or the Padres in a trade for Grisham. Red Sox kick in the difference in salaries.
Verdugo is a casualty of Cora’s mismanagement, but it is Verdugo’s performance that every prospective team is judging. He’d be a good fit for Boston if Cora were ousted but that option doesn’t appear to be in the cards. So, maybe the other question when considering a trade is where else would Verdugo want to play? I’m not a Braves fan and probably even less a fan of Eddie Rosario, the guy with a mirror in his back pocket to make sure he looks good. So, a straight out acquisition for the Braves could be a good thing if they were going to ditch Rosario. Another good possibility would be the Padres, especially if they get rid of Soto.
So the Red Sox don’t do analytics? Interesting.
nosake – Cora mismanagement is redundant!! It’s a given.
You forgot to explain how Cora is screwing up Verdugo’s performance.
Three years ago, I was in favor of extending him. But he hasn’t improved in any category since then. I still wouldn’t trade him, but Verdugo has done nothing to help himself.
Joe – At the time of the Mookie Giveaway I was very vocal about the terrible haul we got in return. Verdugo was the brightest spot but I saw him as a slightly above league average player who had injury issues back then.
He proved the injury issues weren’t permanent so in my eyes his value slightly increased over time from that one perspective. After watching him miss so many fly balls while going back on them and reaching up, I felt his defense was highly over rated. He was supposed to be an all-star quality player when he was in LA but he never played to that level.
Cora is not an impactful coach so I am with you that Verdugo has performed as he has because that’s his actual ability level. His peak performance in a shortened 2020 season was an OPS+ of 123. What we have learned since is that he falls off like Sale in the second half of the season so had 2020 been a full season he would have projected to 100 to 105. He’s been roughly in that range for the last three years and each year he starts fast and we compliment the crap out of him and then by season’s end he’s right back to his norm.
He is what he is, a slightly above league average player who is paid more than he should be because Friedman pronounced him to baseball as an all-star of the future and got Bloom to take him in the bogus steal of Mookie Betts. He was NEVER going to be a perennial all-star as suggested. Best case, he might make it one of his dozen plus years in baseball.
Since we have three very good and controllable outfielders with another arriving shortly we have no need for him especially at his price. We have low payroll guys in the outfield until 2030 so in 2027 we can think about offering them longer term deals to extend them if they do well the next four years. Until then, we have a ton of money for pitching and other problem areas.
Verdugo, if he has any trade value at all, should be coupled with someone and moved so Breslow doesn’t have to non-tender him in December.
so Breslow doesn’t have to non-tender him in December.
==========================
Almost no chance of that happening.
I didn’t forget. It has been explained a few times over the past couple of months. You must have missed it.
Give me the one-sentence summary.
Benched because he didn’t play with enough enthusiasm and because he showed up late on gameday.
I like Verdugo. He’s a gamer, a bit immature, but a gamer. He at least admits when he screws up.
luckyh – So does Cora!!! Does that somehow improve his skills or make him more valuable? NOPE. They both suck.
Seattle clearly needs hitters with better on-base skills, better move’em over, get’em in skills, and low strikeout rates. Hmmmmm.
After all, the club has plenty of quality outfield options. Masataka Yoshida is entrenched in left field after a strong first stateside campaign, while the likes of Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela all represent solid young outfield options
===========================
This is one of the stupidest articles I have ever read in MLB-R, even worse than the “Chapman getting a massive contract” article.
The idea of Yoshida or Duran playing RF will be dismissed by 99% of the BB fans.
Ceddanne will either be the starting CF, the starting 2B, or in AAA. He has 6 career innings in RF in his life.
One could gamble with Abreu, but ain’t a solid option. He is a rebuild option.
The real queastion is how to get Anthony and Teel included……..
Verdugo will be the Gold Glove winner in right field and as a sox fan I can say #99 is what most fans want a solid player, consistent with some above average skills. Duggie would be viable mid-season with SD if they hold onto him and I think ANY team trading for Soto at this stage is going to want that extension in place before sealing a prospect and mlb ready trade. Other than a solid arm or solid 2b I don’t see Duggie going in another trade except Soto its exactly what SD needs and Soto is already pretty much a dh only…for sure within a year or two…Big Papi played DH for 20 to 22mill and who wants to pay a dH only more than 44 million aav? Idk but not sure without an extension in place any big prospect haul is even going to happen there.
The thing about Verdugo is that the team that needs him the most is the RS. I’m betting that Anthony takes over RF in 2025, and we have no practical solution to replace him today. If this was a tank job, I’d give Abreu a shot, but I don’t see that at all.
Joe – Anthony, Rafaela and Duran are the future. Bruin1012 and I disagree where each should play. I think Rafaela is the man for right field since I think he’s the best fielder and compares favorably to Mookie as a potential gold glove outfielder. Duran to me is the CF of the future and Anthony the designated left fielder of the future with Abreu as the utility fourth outfielder.
Bruin1012 likes Rafaela for center fielder with Duran in left field and Anthony in right field. What are your thoughts on the three?
Fever, I’d like to hear yours too along with anyone else.
Was wrong Duran still has options as well.
I’m with Bruin1012 on this one. Duran has improved from being a bad CF to being a weak CF. His arm seems much too weak.
Trollfree –
I think Duran on the left, Rafaela in the center, Abreu/Duvall on the right would be the ideal formation for 2024.
Despite Duran’s elite speed, his arm is the weakest of the outfielders, making left field his best option.
Rafaela is positioned as an elite center defender, so moving him to right field would be premature. I would give right field to the Abreu/Duvall platoon since Abreu has splits against lefties and Duvall would be a good backup if Wylier fails as a freshman.
Trade Verdugo in a package with an extra infielder (Valdez, Hamilton) and a prospect not named Mayer, Anthony, Teel, York, Rafaela for a solid #2 or 3 starting pitcher.
I disagree with you that Anthony is the future of left field, he projects as an above average outfield defender so he could be patrolling right field in 2025.
Also don’t forget that the Sox farm has outfielder Blеis, who missed 2/3 of the season in 2023, could be ready by the end of 2025 and who also projects as an above average defender in the outfield.
We saw good progress from young outfielders in the minor leagues in 2023 – Rafaela, Abreu, Anthony are the future of the Red Sox, and Duran surprised many Sox fans with his metamorphosis in contrast to 2021 and 2022.
This gives us optimism for 2024 and beyond that we can get a manageable, cheap outfield and focus on quality starting pitching in FA and trades.
I like Abreu in right this year I think his bat makes him very likely to stick in Right. I still want to see Rafaela in center he’s special around the fences he a makes a lot of plays against the wall. I know the conventional wisdom is how tough Fenway’s right field is but center in Fenway has a lot of nooks and cranny’s and tall fences. His range is huge he can be shaded to right center and effectively cut down the range needed in right. Duran in has huge speed and should be able to patrol left center. Duran has the worst arm of the three with Abreu having the best arm suited for right field.
Obviously if Anthony has a big spring training and looks ready for the bigs something has to give but I think he starts in AAA or AA and is ready later in the year as a September call up. Rafaela and Abreu have options I believe so if either struggles then you can send them to Worcester. I’d don’t think Duran has any options left.
I still think Rafael is too far away to consider for 2024. The 28/4 K/W is just too weak. As is the 48/12 in AAA. Assuming the choice is to trade Verdugo and promote Rafael, or keep Verdugo and give Rafael another year in AAA, I’d opt for the latter.
But I am not married to either narrative. If someone wanted to overpay for Verdugo, I’d close my eyes and go with Rafael/Abreu.
It’s a concern Joe without a doubt with Rafaela and his chase rate.
JoeBrady –
Rafaela is going to play in the Winter League and, as he said, he understands perfectly in what direction he needs to work.
If he cracks spring training, I see no reason for him not to be the starting CF on Opening Day.
JoeBrady –
As insurance for right field, sign Duvall for 2 years with an option until Anthony is ready for the show if Verdugo is traded.