With just over three weeks to the start of the regular MLB season, former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo remains unsigned, prompting questions about his future. Following what many viewed as a disappointing 2024 season with the Yankees, where he posted less-than-stellar offensive numbers, Verdugo's career appears to hang in the balance.
Verdugo, now 28, had high hopes when he joined the Yankees after being traded from the Boston Red Sox. Once hailed as the No. 1 prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system back in 2019, hopes were high he could reclaim his batting prowess. Unfortunately, his year with the Yankees turned out to be less than stellar; he played 149 games but finished the season with disappointing averages. He had a .233 batting average along with .291 on-base percentage and .356 slugging percentage, significantly underperforming.
The season concluded on a particularly bitter note. Verdugo managed to bat only .208 over 14 postseason games, and his strikeout ended Game 5 of the World Series. His overall struggles culminated with his offensive metrics, including 13 home runs and 61 RBIs alongside distasteful wRC+ statistics of 83, which signals he was 17% below league average.
Despite these dismal numbers, Verdugo provided some defensive value, being credited with plus-seven defensive runs saved by Fangraphs during the 2024 season. His defensive capabilities remain his strongest asset, but they might not be enough to land him a starting job as teams prioritize offensive output.
Following the postseason exit, he articulated his frustrations candidly, saying, "I know it wasn’t my best personal year on offense...there would be [the possibility]...maybe it’s another year," expressing hope for return and potential redemption come 2025.
April lies just around the corner, and with Verdugo still without a contract, speculation abounds as to why. It’s possible his demands for salary exceed what teams are willing to offer for his current skill set. There’s also the possibility teams may perceive him as merely available to fill out one of several roles—rather than as an everyday starter. His declining numbers over recent years have raised concerns about whether he can recover the potential everyone once saw.
Some analysts have noted the irony of his current situation: Verdugo, who played every postseason game for the Yankees, now finds himself without any serious offers. He has been documented as having dropped significantly since earlier phases of his career—a trend detailed by how he ranked 133rd out of 136 qualified position players from May 1 through the end of the regular season with near-bottom metrics.
While the Yankees appear to have moved on, opting to sign Cody Bellinger and giving up-and-coming Jasson Dominguez the start, it still remains to be seen where Verdugo may land. With teams possibly dealing with injuries or underperformance as spring training continues, he might still find himself with opportunities to showcase his capabilities.
The upcoming weeks will be telling. Verdugo posted on Instagram before the playoffs with the sentiment, “IN DUE TIME,” in what seems to be confidence amid uncertainty. Reflecting on his career background—trading from Boston after stark clashes with Red Sox management—Verdugo may yet find himself at another team if they gamble on his ability to bounce back.
Whatever happens next, his past with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers lays the groundwork for his potential. Historically one of baseball's promising young players, Verdugo now faces the harsh realities of career challenges. His defense R+ experiences and flashes of offensive greatness may garner interest, but only time will tell if he secures his spot on another major league roster. The clock is ticking, but for fans and players alike, the hope is never gone—especially with Verdugo’s undeniable talent still showcasing rays of light.
