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Tag: MLB free agency

  • Yankees Eye $60 Million Reunion to Solve DH Dilemma

    Yankees Eye $60 Million Reunion to Solve DH Dilemma

    The Yankees need a designated hitter (DH) solution with Giancarlo Stanton’s return timeline uncertain. While Jasson Domínguez has been mentioned as an option, he may not be ready for the big leagues yet. Instead, the Yankees should look to a familiar face: Alex Verdugo, whose $60 million market value and versatility make him an interesting choice.

    Why Alex Verdugo is the Answer for the Yankees?

    Verdugo spent 2024 with the Yankees and is a free agent now. He could be the perfect short term solution. He had a down 2024—.233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI —but he hit his career high in home runs. His batting average was his lowest of his career but his power numbers showed he can still contribute.

    A Familiar Face in the Bronx

    Verdugo knows what it’s like to play in the Bronx and what it means to wear pinstripes. His defensive versatility is a bonus. If the Yankees give Domínguez a shot in left field, Verdugo can rotate between DH and outfield duties.

    How Verdugo Fits in with the Yankees

    The Yankees never replaced Juan Soto and their lineup could use a spark like Verdugo who brings energy and consistency. He’s not a star but he can be a solid contributor since he can hit for average and power.

    Verdugo’s best trait is his defence. In 2024 he was in the 96th percentile in Arm Value and the 94th percentile in Arm Strength according to Baseball Savant. He’s good in left field even if the Yankees decide to give Domínguez more playing time.

    Temporary Solution with Long term benefits

    Signing Verdugo to a one year deal allows the Yankees to test the waters without committing long term resources. If Domínguez develops into what they hope he can be then Verdugo’s role can fade away or diminish. If Stanton’s injury lingers or Domínguez struggles then Verdugo is the safety net.

  • Did Alex Verdugo Just Hint at a Move to the Yankees?

    Did Alex Verdugo Just Hint at a Move to the Yankees?

    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.