Alex Verdugo Remains Top Target as MLB Free Agency Winds Down

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 — As Major League Baseball heads into the spring training season, the free agency frenzy is reaching its peak. While notable names like Pete Alonso and Clayton Kershaw have found new deals, Alex Verdugo stands out as the last top-tier talent still open to negotiations.

Verdugo, who previously played for the New York Yankees, is now seeking a fresh start after a challenging season in which he posted a career-worst .233 batting average with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs across 149 games. Despite his setbacks, he remains a valuable asset, ranked No. 38 on The Athletic‘s free agent list at the conclusion of the offseason.

The offseason saw many significant moves, including Alex Bregman joining the Boston Red Sox, and other stars like Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez moving teams as well. With spring camp approaching, many teams are in desperate need of outfield upgrades, positioning Verdugo as a prime candidate for such a role.

Outfield production has been particularly subpar for several franchises, most notably the Kansas City Royals, who have been speculated to be a strong fit for Verdugo. Their lackluster performance in 2024 has led experts to recommend that they consider him for a one-year contract reportedly estimated at $6 million, as a potent left-handed bat could immensely benefit the lineup.

Throughout his career, Verdugo has shown flashes of brilliance since being traded to the Boston Red Sox as part of the blockbuster deal involving Mookie Betts. From 2019 to 2022, he boasted a .289 average, hitting an average of 15 home runs and 69 RBIs per season — statistics showcasing his potential and suggesting that he can bounce back from a down year.

As free agency dwindles, Verdugo finds himself in a unique market position as the only player remaining from the top 30 free agents. With several competing teams showing interest, speculation about his next destination is heating up.

In the 2024 postseason, Verdugo hit .208 with a single home run and eight RBIs while experiencing a disappointing exit in the World Series with the Yankees. However, his resilient track record as a former top prospect means that a resurgence in performance is possible, drawing interest from teams looking to bolster their rosters.

As MLB welcomes spring training and teams finalize their rosters, it will be intriguing to see where Verdugo lands and whether he can reclaim his form and help lead a new franchise to success.