The New York Yankees had been looking to bolster their offense this offseason. It is old news, but they did have one of the worst offenses in the league last season. Moreover, the Yankees were looking for a couple of lefty outfielders and a pitcher to get right back on track. Naturally, the biggest challenge was to land Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
But they managed to do it because they had enough pitching resources to help entice the Padres. However, before landing Soto, the Yankees received Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox. If the Pinstripes had failed to sign the Dominican slugger, Verdugo would be the best thing they received this offseason.
What Was The Reaction Of Alex Verdugo When Red Sox Traded Him To Yankees?
It seldom happens when the Boston Red Sox deals for a trade with their arch-rivals. In fact, it was only the seventh time in the last 50 years that they made a trade with one another. Almost a day before the Bronx Bombers landed, the big fish Juan Soto, the Red Sox, came to their rescue, trading Verdugo. What if the Yankees failed to sign Soto for even a year? They needed a backup plan. And that was Alex Verdugo. Moreover, Verdugo could not live up to the expectations of the Red Sox and also had some issues with that franchise. That’s why the Red Sox were happy to let him go. On Thursday, the lefty outfielder told the reporters that initially he was hot and mad after hearing the news.
He said, “Really, they sent me to the rivals?” But soon enough, the Yankees organization made him feel right at home. Moreover, he felt relief to leave the Red Sox after a rocky relationship with the manager Alex Cora. On top of that, when Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton, and others reached out to him, Verdugo felt great. Moreover, Verdugo has no complaints on the Yankees facial hair policy. He just feels a fresh start is good. In the Yankee stadium, Alex Verdugo has a career slash line of .252/.299/.437. Over 31 games, the lefty outfielder hit five home runs, 12 RBIs, and seven doubles.
The NY Side Has Been Focusing On Making Significant Changes This Offseason
Moreover, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average in the league in the 2023 season. They were only better than the Oakland Athletics. The poor offense, added to a long Injured List, resulted in an 82-80 record. It was a tremendous shame for the NY side as they could not even qualify for the postseason. Moreover, the 2023 season had been one of the worst in the last thirty years of the franchise. Previously, they could not make the postseason in 2016. Albeit, the Yankees made the postseasons in the previous few years, they were not able to go very far in the playoffs.
The other big issue that the organization had to deal with was a lack of superstars in their roster. Hence, the captain, Aaron Judge, had to carry the team alone. But when he sustained a severe toe injury that kept him out for another couple of months, the Yankees faced a streak of losses. Eventually, they could not make the postseason. That’s why the front office made sure the team has enough star power and a strong offense this offseason. They promised the Yankees Nation that they would make significant changes. And they did just that this offseason.