MLB Free Agency Puzzle: Teams Overlook Alex Verdugo’s Talents

TAMPA, Fla. — Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo remains a free agent as teams across Major League Baseball finalize their rosters for the 2025 season. Verdugo’s situation has raised eyebrows, particularly among his former teammates, who express perplexity over his lack of contract offers.

Verdugo, 28, previously demonstrated his capabilities with a solid showing in 2020, batting .308 in his first year with the Boston Red Sox during the pandemic-shortened season. However, after a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Yankees in which he hit just .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs, Verdugo finds himself without a major league contract as spring training progresses.

Right fielder Aaron Judge expressed surprise at Verdugo’s current status on the free agent market. “I am surprised,” Judge told The Athletic. “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.” Similarly, manager Aaron Boone noted, “Maybe a little bit surprised because he’s without question a big-league player and a big-league starting player, for me.”

Despite a down year offensively in 2024, Verdugo was praised for his defensive skills and contributions to the clubhouse environment. In 149 games, he posted a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) above 0.0, signaling that his overall value to the team extended beyond traditional batting statistics.

“He was great with us,” Boone added, suggesting that the discrepancy in the free-agent market could be due to financial constraints and team needs not aligning. “It just probably hasn’t lined up money-wise and team-wise and need-wise.”

As teams finalize their rosters, the 2025 MLB regular season has officially begun, with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. However, Verdugo is still seeking an opportunity. “He’s grinding,” Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe added about Verdugo’s efforts. “He’s putting a lot of work in Arizona. I think he’s definitely ready to go.”

During his time with the Yankees, Verdugo became a respected teammate, forming bonds with players like Trent Grisham, who emphasized Verdugo’s capabilities and positive impact on the team. “He was one of my favorite teammates ever,” Grisham said. “Great hitter. Had a little bit of a down year last year, but great hitter, and a great teammate.”

The Yankees, now looking to rely on other prospects and free agent signings like Cody Bellinger and Jasson Dominguez, appear fully committed to moving forward without Verdugo. This decision may stem from a combination of strategic planning and the pursuit of younger talent.

Meanwhile, Verdugo’s representation has not publicly commented on the lack of offers. As Free Agency progresses, the MLB community continues to speculate how a player of Verdugo’s pedigree can remain unsigned at this stage.

The first week of the season may lead to an influx of injuries or team needs that could prompt a phone call to Verdugo. Whether he ultimately receives that opportunity is yet to be seen.