Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo is expected to leave the Bronx and sign a significant contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Verdugo, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox before the 2024 MLB season, served as the Yankees’ starting left fielder in 2024. However, with the Yankees acquiring Cody Bellinger, Verdugo’s chances of returning after hitting free agency appear slim.
Drew VonScio of Newsweek suggests that the Philadelphia Phillies will be the team to sign Verdugo.
“The Phillies are aware that their outfield could use some upgrades,” VonScio wrote. “Nick Castellanos is set in right field, but left and center field are major uncertainties.
Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh, and Johan Rojas are competing for the remaining spots. Marsh is better suited as a fourth outfielder, and both Kepler and Rojas had rough 2024 seasons. Therefore, the Phillies could look to add this former Yankees outfielder.”
VonScio predicts that Philadelphia might offer Verdugo a four-year contract to secure the outfielder.
“Verdugo is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $60.8 million, averaging $15.2 million annually. He will turn 29 in May and could be a valuable addition to the Phillies’ quest to contend in the National League East,” VonScio wrote. In 2024, Verdugo hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs for the Yankees.
Analyst Thinks Verdugo Would Be a Good Fit for the Phillies
Verdugo could add offense and solid defense to the Phillies’ lineup.VonScio believes Verdugo would thrive in Philadelphia, thanks to the ballpark’s dimensions, which could benefit his offensive game.
“Verdugo’s 2024 season with the Yankees didn’t go as expected, but he’s looking to bounce back and return to his 2023 form (.264/.324/.461),” VonScio wrote. “Citizens Bank Park’s dimensions could help him—right field is 15 feet deeper, but the power alley is 16 feet shorter, which should aid in boosting Verdugo’s home run totals. Baseball Savant shows that Verdugo was one of the top left fielders in MLB in 2024, finishing in the 96th percentile for arm value and the 94th percentile for arm strength.”If he signs the predicted four-year deal, Verdugo would likely become the Phillies’ starting left fielder.
Yankees Expected to Rely on Jasson Dominguez in Outfield
The Yankees’ outfield will look quite different in 2025.With Juan Soto departing for the New York Mets and Verdugo likely to leave, only Aaron Judge will remain from the 2024 outfield. However, the Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger, and general manager Brian Cashman is optimistic about giving Jasson Dominguez a shot.
“I’d like to see Dominguez get his shot now,” Cashman said. “He’s young, and he has to earn it and keep it.”Dominguez appeared in 18 games during 2024, batting .179 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs.
