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Tag: spring training 2025

  • 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.

  • Who is Winning the War? Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle Becomes a Spring Focal Point

    Who is Winning the War? Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle Becomes a Spring Focal Point

    The New York Yankees have a third base problem this spring and Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and now DJ LeMahieu are all in the mix for the job. As the competition heats up, the Yankees have to decide who will be manning the hot corner for 2025.

    Peraza is Ahead of Cabrera

    Through the early days of spring training, Oswald Peraza has quietly put himself in the lead for the job at third base. He’s been solid .333/.400/.333 with a few singles. Meanwhile Oswaldo Cabrera has struggled .167/.167/.417 with one home run.

    Why Peraza’s Situation is Critical

    Peraza is out of options so if he doesn’t make the team he’ll be designated for assignment. That would likely mean he’d be claimed off waivers by another team. The stakes are high for Peraza and he’s responding with urgency, making the most of every opportunity this spring.

    LeMahieu’s Uphill Climb

    DJ LeMahieu being back in action doesn’t necessarily mean he’s back in the mix for the 3rd Base job—at least not yet. The 36 year old infielder has declined the last two seasons and is late to spring training so he’s behind Peraza and Cabrera in terms of readiness.

    Even at his peak LeMahieu’s bat speed and offense was declining so he’s better suited for a rotational role rather than an everyday starter. If he can’t get his offense going quick it’s unlikely he’ll push Peraza or Cabrera out of the picture.

    Could the Yankees Look Elsewhere?

    If neither Peraza nor Cabrera can provide consistent offense at 3B the Yankees may have to look outside. The organization didn’t spend much this offseason but a lack of production at 3B could make an upgrade a necessity rather than a luxury.

    For now it’s internal only with Peraza ahead of Cabrera but with LeMahieu in the mix the dynamics of the competition could change again as the Yankees figure out their best options heading into the season. 

    FAQs About the Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle

    Who’s in the lead?

    Oswald Peraza is ahead of Oswaldo Cabrera so far this spring but DJ LeMahieu’s back in the mix.

    Can LeMahieu still get the job?

    LeMahieu has experience but his late start to spring training and decline the last two seasons means he’s more likely to be a rotational player at 3B rather than an everyday starter.