2023-12-06 03:15:00
Boston Red Sox trade outfielder Álex Verdugo to New York Yankees for pitchers Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The New York Yankees acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night, and New York turned to the 27-year-old to improve its offense in just the eighth trade between the rivals since the start of the era of divisions in 1969.
The Red Sox received right-handed pitchers Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice in the deal.
Álex Verdugo hit .264/.324/.421 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games in 2023 with the Red Sox. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
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Verdugo spent the last four seasons in Boston following joining the Red Sox as the primary returnee in the trade that sent star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Verdugo, who is scheduled to make around $9 million in his final season of arbitration, hit .264/.324/.421 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games this year. With Verdugo set to hit free agency following the 2024 season, Boston put him on the trade market, and while several teams inquired regarding his availability, the Yankees secured him to start in the outfield.
After a season in which they finished 25th in runs scored in the major leagues, the Yankees have looked to retool their offense this winter. They have been involved in trade talks with the San Diego Padres for star outfielder Juan Soto, sources told ESPN, and might still pursue him entering the season with limited and proven outfield options beyond Verdugo, star Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, who is most likely to fill New York’s designated hitter role.
Others who might play outfield on New York’s 40-man roster include prospects Estevan Florial and Everson Pereira, utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, recent recruit Oscar Gonzalez and center fielder Jasson Dominguez, who is expected to miss a season. important part of the season following undergoing Tommy John surgery.
While Verdugo never became a star in Boston, he was a consistently above-league average hitter and hit .281/.338/.424 with 43 home runs and 206 RBI in 493 games with the Red Sox, where he spent the season. most of his time. Time played in the corner outfield and ventured into center field.
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