After spending the 2024 season with the New York Yankees, outfielder Alex Verdugo finds himself a free agent this offseason. Yankees fans are now asking, “What Team Is Alex Verdugo On?” as they watch another outfielder potentially depart from the Bronx after just one year. Following the earlier loss of Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees are facing outfield changes, and Verdugo’s future is uncertain.
Verdugo, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the previous offseason, showcased his defensive skills in left field for the Yankees. However, his offensive performance in 2024 was below his usual standards, impacting his value in free agency. Despite his defensive contributions, his struggles at the plate have led to speculation about the type of contract he might secure in the open market.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Verdugo is among the free agent outfielders likely looking at a one-year “prove it” contract. This suggests that while teams recognize his talent, they may be hesitant to commit to a long-term, high-value deal based on his recent offensive output. Passan noted that these outfielders, including Verdugo, are expected to find opportunities with contending teams seeking to bolster their rosters, albeit possibly on shorter, less expensive contracts.
Before his stint with the Yankees, Verdugo had a productive four-year run with the Boston Red Sox. Prior to Boston, he began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his time in Boston, he established himself as a reliable offensive player, hitting for average and contributing runs. His time with the Red Sox highlighted his potential and set expectations for his offensive capabilities.
In his single season as a Yankee, Verdugo’s offensive numbers declined. Across 149 regular season games, he recorded a .233 batting average, a .291 on-base percentage, and a .356 slugging percentage, accompanied by 13 home runs and 61 RBIs. His .647 OPS in 2024 was his second-lowest career mark, signaling a downturn in his offensive production compared to his time with the Red Sox.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are expected to integrate their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, into a starting outfield role in 2025. With Aaron Judge anticipated to return to right field following the acquisition of Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ outfield appears to be taking shape without Verdugo. This context further explains why Alex Verdugo is currently a free agent and not expected to return to the Yankees, leaving fans to wonder, “what team will Alex Verdugo be on” for the upcoming season?
