As Spring Training gets underway the New York Yankees still have options in left field. One name that is surfacing is Alex Verdugo and his cryptic Instagram post has fans buzzing about a return. With a simple caption—“In due time”—Verdugo has the fan base thinking he might be back in the Bronx in 2025.
Verdugo’s Post Fuels Yankees Rumors
Alex Verdugo posted an edited highlight reel of his 2024 season with the Yankees on Instagram. The caption? “In due time.”
The post went viral and now fans are speculating he might be hinting at a return. With his solid defense last season and the Yankees current needs in left field it’s easy to see why.
Why Verdugo Makes Sense for the Yankees?
- Elite Defense: Verdugo was in the 96th percentile in Arm Value and 94th percentile in Arm Strength, according to Baseball Savant. He would provide stability in left field while top prospect Jasson Dominguez develops.
- Offensive Upside: Although Verdugo struggled offensively in 2024—especially in power and hard hit percentage—he still has offensive upside if he can get back to form.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Yankees gave up a lot for Verdugo in December 2023—No. 10 prospect Richard Fitts and reliever Greg Weissert. Bringing him back on a one year deal would justify the trade.
What Happened Last Season?
Verdugo had a mixed bag of results in his first season with the Yankees:
- Defense: He was great defensively— elite arm strength and made impactful plays in left field.
- Offense: Offensively he regressed—power numbers dropped and hard hit percentage fell below expectations. Injuries may have been a factor but was noticeable.
Despite the struggles Verdugo is a reliable option for a team looking to balance defense and offense in left field.
Jasson Dominguez’s Development Creates Urgency
Another reason Verdugo makes sense is Jasson Dominguez’s development. He’s “The Martian” and has huge upside but is still working through the kinks in left field.
Verdugo holds down the position for another year and Dominguez can develop without being rushed into a starting role too soon.
The Trade That Brought Verdugo to New York
In December 2023 the Yankees acquired Verdugo from the Red Sox for:
- Richard Fitts: A top prospect who made headlines in Spring Training by hitting 99 mph with his fastball.
- Greg Weissert: A reliable reliever who threw 63 innings for Boston in 2024.
- Nicholas Judice: An unranked prospect to complete the deal.
Given what the Yankees gave up they can recoup some value from the trade by re-signing Verdugo – even on a short deal.
Will They Do It?
If the Yankees want a solid defensive outfielder with some pop, a Verdugo reunion looks more and more likely. A one-year deal gives them flexibility and Dominguez more time to develop. Plus it shows the fans they’re committed to a 2025 competitive team.
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