Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo have formed a great bond in the outfield along with Juan Soto. These three superstars need to stay healthy and keep performing for the New York Yankees if they want to make it to the “Big Dance.” Moreover, the NY side is coming off a terrible season last year. They have failed to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, 2023 was their worst season in the last 30 years. They finished with an awful 82-80 record. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average in the league behind the nine-time World Series champions, the Oakland Athletics.
Later, the front office made plans for significant changes in the offseason. They needed a lefty slugger who would fit at the Yankee Stadium perfectly. That’s when the arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, came to the Yankees’ rescue as they traded Alex Verdugo in exchange for several pitching resources. Later, the Yankees went all-in to land Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. Finally, after landing Verdugo and Soto, the offense and outfield started to look solid. Lately, Verdugo is proving that the NY side made the right decision to sign him.
Alex Verdugo Gained Praise From The Yankees Captain
Since the start of the 2024 season, the new outfielder has been doing an excellent job in the left field. On the other hand, Aaron Judge had to start fielding from the center field this year because Juan Soto got the right fielder’s job. Anyhow, the Yankees captain mentioned that Verdugo is the best left fielder he has ever played alongside, as per MLB insider Bryan Hoch. Lately, the former Red Sox outfielder has been hitting home runs for fun. In Game 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees lost 7-6 in extra innings. But Alex Verdugo had hit a homer on Friday.
Aaron Judge said last night that he told Alex Verdugo: "You're one of the best left fielders, besides Brett Gardner, that I've played with."
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) April 28, 2024
"We're lucky to have him."
So he did on Saturday, but the weekend for the NY side was a special one. After losing the first game against the Brewers very narrowly, the offense just exploded on both Saturday and Sunday. Verdugo was really impactful on Saturday setting the tone for the NY side’s massive 15-3 win over the Milwaukee side. After Verdugo’s impressive performances in the offense as well as in the defense, Aaron Judge told Bryan Hoch that they are lucky to have the former Red Sox outfielder. So far, in the current season, Alex Verdugo has slashed an average of .267 with a .358 OBP. He also has an impressive .804 OPS.
What Does The Left Fielder Think About The “Cleanup Spot”?
This Saturday, the Yankees for the first time used Alex Verdugo in the cleanup spot. It turned out to be a brilliant move. Clearly, the No.4 spot was perfect for the former Red Sox outfielder. It fit him like a glove. Later, as per MLB.com, Verdugo mentioned that the cleanup spot is a “Great spot” for him in the lineup. Moreover, it will come up with “Guys on the bases.”
Since the Yankees won on Sunday as well with another 15-run score, they are leading the AL East division. After the historic weekend, the NY side has a one-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles. On Monday, the Yankees will face off against the Orioles to start a four-game series. It will be like a Clash of the Titans in the AL East.
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