The New York Yankees are looking to bolster their roster every way they can. Moreover, they are on a mission to bounce back next season stronger than ever. After all, they had an awful season this year. They would like to forget about the 2023 season and just move on. But while they do that, they would like to reshuffle their roster and get the best team ready for the next season. For a long time, the NY side’s roster looked pretty stagnant.
Recently, a new rumor suggests the Boston Red Sox might trade their elite outfielder Alex Verdugo to their arch-rivals. As per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, several clubs have shown interest in Verdugo, but the Red Sox might not shop him so actively. On Wednesday, Chris Henrique of Beyond The Monster wrote that sources reveal that the Yankees will have a close eye on Alex Verdugo.
Why Would The Red Sox Trade Verdugo To The Yankees?
Since the MLB trade deadline, Verdugo has been the center of the trade rumors of the Red Sox. Sean McAdam of MassLive claimed the Yankees can make a run for him. Moreover, Verdugo is 27 years old. In 142 games, he hit .264, along with 55 extra-base hits. That included 13 homers, 54 RBIs and also a .745 OPS. Moreover, Verdugo has saved nine defensive runs, along with logging one out above average. He proved that he can survive in the extremely difficult right field of the Fenway Park. Moreover, he got nominations for the AL Gold Glove Award, but he lost to Adolis Garcia of the new World Champions Texas Rangers.
However, Alex Verdugo has a year remaining in his contract with the Red Sox. But the Boston franchise has not mentioned anything about an extension. Perhaps because Verdugo is eccentric. But the Red Sox will look for some enticing pitching prospects for trading Verdugo. Moreover, the Yankees have some good prospects that can entice their rivals. But the question remains: Is sending the most complete player in the roster to the arch-rivals a great idea?
The NY Side Needs Another Superstar Outfielder Besides Aaron Judge
The team lacks really quality outfielders and hitters. At least they don’t have as many elite hitters and outfielders as they would have liked. Moreover, captain Aaron Judge mostly plays the role of a lone ranger in their batting lineup. Anyhow, the Yankee’s batting average was the second-worst in 2023. Moreover, it is quite clear that the Yankees are over-dependent on Aaron Judge. They need another superstar hitter besides their captain who can take some pressure off him. Hence, the 27-time champions are looking for every option available at the latest free agency.
The Yankees Nation are keen to see Juan Soto join the franchise this offseason. But another option for a lefty hitter is Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. On top of that, the Yankees would love to sign the biggest name in free agency at the moment, which is Shohei Ohtani. But chances are Ohtani will sign with the city rivals of the Yankees, the New York Mets. Moreover, the Angels superstar should get a big offer from any team willing to sign him. Anyhow, the Yankees might not be able to afford him. Hence, the NY side is looking elsewhere.