Red Sox Outfielder Hinted As Possible Trade Candidate This Offseason By Insider
Boston acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo ahead of the 2020 campaign in the trade centered on Mookie Betts. Verdugo started off his career in Boston strong and appeared poised to be a part of the club’s core for years to come. Things have changed and now it seems like a trade is likely this offseason.
Verdugo has been mentioned as a trade candidate over the last year and the chatter continues to build up. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand compiled a list of possible trade candidates for each club this offseason and Verdugo’s name was brought up once again.
“Verdugo is in his final year before free agency, and given Boston’s outfield depth, he could be moved to address another area of need,” Feinsand said. “Verdugo has elite control of the strike zone — he ranked in the top 15 percent in chase rate, whiff percentage, and strikeout percentage in 2023 — and he features one of the best outfield arms in the Majors. The 27-year-old hit 13 home runs with 54 RBIs and a .745 OPS in 142 games and will likely get a big raise from his $6.3 million salary in his final year of arbitration.”
A move makes sense at this point if Boston doesn’t want to give Verdugo an extension. He will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders and may opt for a move to help bring back starting pitching help. Verdugo has shown flashes in Boston but also has had some trouble in the organization. He may have already played his last game for the Red Sox.
