The Mets, Astros, Blue Jays and Angels are among the many groups which have checked in on free agent outfielder Alex Verdugo this offseason, experiences Chris Cotillo of MassLive. FanSided’s Robert Murray reported earlier this week that the Pirates had been additionally within the lefty-hitting outfielder.
Verdugo is trying to bounce again after a disappointing 12 months within the Bronx. He hit simply .233/.291/.356 over 621 plate appearances as a Yankee. Many of the positives got here within the season’s first few weeks. Verdugo hit .267/.358/.446 via the top of April. He turned in a .225/.275/.336 slash in additional than 500 journeys to the plate the remainder of the best way. He continued to wrestle within the postseason, hitting .208/.303/.313 with one homer in 14 video games.
It definitely wasn’t a perfect time for the worst 12 months of Verdugo’s profession. He’d been a succesful common for a number of seasons in Boston earlier than that. Verdugo had a .281/.338/.424 slash over components of 4 seasons as a member of the Pink Sox. Whereas he by no means developed into the All-Star caliber participant some prospect evaluators anticipated, he was a strong common.
Verdugo turns 29 in Could. He’s seemingly obtainable on a one-year pillow contract. He’ll presumably search for a deal that’s not far off the $10MM which Max Kepler acquired from the Phillies final month. That makes him an possibility for a low-payroll staff just like the Pirates. He may match for any membership in search of left-handed outfield assist.
That’s a selected want for the Astros. Basic supervisor Dana Brown has acknowledged they’d like a lefty-hitting outfielder following the Kyle Tucker commerce. Houston doesn’t have an apparent reply in left area, whereas they’re counting on Chas McCormick to bounce again in proper area. Verdugo is among the most simple targets. The Astros mission a number of million {dollars} above the luxurious tax threshold. It’d be troublesome to get again below the tax line until they commerce Ryan Pressly and restrict their spending for the rest of the offseason.
The Angels have Taylor Ward because the anticipated starter in left area. His identify has been floated in commerce hypothesis, albeit with out indications that the Halos are actively purchasing him. Even when they preserve Ward, they’d profit from an improve over the Jo Adell/Mickey Moniak pairing within the reverse nook.
Toronto may be very seemingly so as to add an on a regular basis outfielder within the coming weeks. They’ll most likely take an even bigger swing than Verdugo. The Jays have been one of many prime suitors for Anthony Santander, to whom they’ve reportedly made a suggestion. The Mets stands out as the hardest match. It stands to purpose Verdugo will prioritize a staff that may afford him on a regular basis taking part in time. New York has Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo within the outfield corners, whereas Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri are middle area choices. Starling Marte stays available as a depth outfielder.
