Former Yankees Outfielder Alex Verdugo Remains a Free Agent Amid Confusion

TAMPA, Fla. — Several New York Yankees players expressed surprise that former teammate Alex Verdugo has yet to sign with a new team, just weeks before the start of the 2025 regular season. Right fielder Aaron Judge highlighted Verdugo’s talent, saying, “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

Verdugo, a 28-year-old outfielder, had a challenging final season with the Yankees, hitting just .233 in 149 games with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs. Despite these struggles, teammates noted his strong defensive skills and significant role in the clubhouse. Manager Aaron Boone remarked, “Maybe a little bit surprised because he’s without question a big-league player and a big-league starting player, for me.”

Despite his contributions, Verdugo hasn’t received a single major-league offer this offseason since becoming a free agent. His agent, Dan Lozano, did not respond to requests for comment. This lack of interest has left former teammates puzzled, underlining the unpredictability of the baseball market.

In 2024, Verdugo posted an 83 wRC+, well below his career average of .281, which he held going into last season. His first half was promising, showcasing a .764 OPS in his first 58 games, but he endured a difficult second half, finishing with a .575 OPS over his last 91 games. Verdugo’s postseason performance also fell short, with a .208 average across 14 games.

The Yankees acquired Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox amid reports of clashes with their manager, Alex Cora. However, teammates found Verdugo’s adjustment to the Yankees’ culture to be seamless. “He was my lockermate from Day 1,” outfielder Trent Grisham said. “I think he’s a great player. Really good defender. Great hitter.”

Shortstop Anthony Volpe echoed those sentiments, stating, “He was one of my favorite teammates ever. He helped us win games, whether it was on the field or what he could bring to the clubhouse.” Verdugo’s peers stress his value as both a player and teammate.

As the Yankees begin new preparations for the 2025 season, the team appears to have moved on from Verdugo, favoring young talent such as Jasson Domínguez in the outfield. The roster shake-up also includes the addition of Cody Bellinger as a center fielder and Aroldis Chapman taking on a different role.

Citing financial constraints and injuries to key players like Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees may also be wary of exceeding their payroll, further complicating Verdugo’s free agency. Nevertheless, several of his teammates reflected fondly on their memories with him, especially a game-saving catch during Game 1 of the World Series.

Judge recounted, “That just sums up everything that he is in one play right there. Doesn’t matter — he was making plays like that in April and May when the games aren’t as big.”

Boone noted Verdugo’s hitting talent, emphasizing that his batting struggles might have been exacerbated by circumstances surrounding him during the season. “I think there’s more upside in there offensively, too.”

The potential for his marketability remains despite the unexpected lack of interest. Volpe mentioned catching up with Verdugo over the offseason, stating, “He’s grinding. He’s putting a lot of work in in Arizona.”

Verdugo’s teammates wish him the best as he navigates his future in professional baseball, with many still believing in his capability to compete effectively at the major-league level.