Another player involved in the Mookie Betts trade might leave Boston. According to the Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, the team would listen to trade proposals from other clubs for outfielder Alex Verdugo as a way to address other needs without giving up its best prospects.
If Verdugo is traded, that will leave Connor Wong as the only player remaining on the Red Sox from those who came in the Mookie Betts trade three years ago. This week, Colombian Jeter Downs was recalled on waivers by the Nationals following Boston designated him for assignment.
According to Abraham, the Red Sox would take advantage of the lack of left-handed hitters on the open market, with Brandon Nimmo, Andrew Benintendi, Cody Bellinger, Michael Brantley, Michael Conforto, Joey Gallo, Joc Pederson and Kevin Kiermaier all signed.
Verdugo hasn’t displayed much power and hasn’t played good defense the past two years (-9 Outs Above Average), but he’s hitting .286/.341/.431 with a 107 career OPS+, including .294/.352. /.460 once morest right-handed pitchers. The 26-year-old ranger will be under contractual control until the end of 2024.
The Red Sox need to beef up catching and starting pitching—plus see how they’ll cover shortstop following the departure of Xander Bogaerts.
