Alex Verdugo Free Agency Update Leaves Yankees Stunned

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Verdugo hasn’t received a single major league offer since the start of his free agency.

A reasonable assumption would’ve been that Verdugo was given an offer, just not one he thought was suitable, as between 2019-2022 he had a wRC+ above league average while with the Red Sox, and consistently posted above average defensive metrics.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge was among those who expressed their shock with the new report.

“I am surprised,” Judge said. “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

“Maybe a little bit surprised because he’s without question a big-league player and a big-league starting player, for me,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It just probably hasn’t lined up money-wise and team-wise and need-wise, but he was great with us.”

Marcus Stroman, who was long rumored to be on the trade block this offseason, was also surprised, while also suggestively saying “a lot of things surprise in this game nowadays.”

Verdugo posted a cryptic edit with his 2024 Yankees highlights on his Instagram which many thought was an indication that he was close to a return to the Bronx, especially as top prospect Jasson Dominguez has struggled in left field.

Verdugo made $8.7 million last year, and it appears he will have to wait even longer for his next opportunity.