Nashville, December 6, 2023 – The New York Yankees have made a significant move in their quest for a left-handed batter, acquiring outfielder Alex Verdugo from their historic rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This transaction marks a rare instance of trade between these two storied franchises.
Player Profiles:
- Alex Verdugo: At 27, Verdugo is a promising addition to the Yankees. In his four seasons with Boston, he showcased solid performance, hitting .264/.324/.421 in the 2023 season with notable stats including 37 doubles, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs. Over his seven-year career, which includes time with the Dodgers and Red Sox, Verdugo has maintained a .281/.337/.428 slash line, adding 57 homers and 255 RBIs in 651 games. Known for his versatility, Verdugo has experience playing right field, left field, and center field.
Traded Players to Red Sox:
- Richard Fitts: A right-handed pitcher and the Yankees’ No. 12 prospect, Fitts has shown promise in his minor league career with an 18-13 record and a 3.57 ERA.
- Greg Weissert: At 28, Weissert has major league experience, posting a 4.60 ERA over 29 appearances between 2022 and 2023.
- Nicholas Judice: The youngest of the trio, 22-year-old Judice is yet to make his professional debut, being a recent eighth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Yankees’ Strategy:
- General Manager Brian Cashman’s acquisition of Verdugo aligns with his strategy to bolster the Yankees’ outfield, especially with left-handed hitters. This move does not rule out further trades or signings, with potential targets like Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger still in consideration.
- The Yankees, having struggled offensively last season, particularly during a stretch without Aaron Judge due to injury, aim to strengthen their lineup with Verdugo’s inclusion.
Historical Context:
- This trade is only the eighth between the Yankees and Red Sox since the beginning of the Divisional Era in 1969, a testament to the rarity of such transactions between these rival teams.
The Yankees, welcoming Verdugo to the Bronx, look forward to the potential impact he can bring to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
