Former New York Yankees slugger is expected to leave the Bronx and sign a lucrative contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He was acquired from the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2024 MLB season and served as the team’s starting left fielder that year. However, after New York traded for Cody Bellinger, His chances of returning after free agency were essentially lost.
Now, Drew VonScio of Newsweek Says the Philadelphia Phillies will sign Alex Verdugo.
“The Philadelphia Phillies know their outfield could certainly use some upgrades,” VonScio wrote. “Nick Castellanos has right field locked up for the Phillies, but left field and center field are major question marks. Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas are fighting it out for the last two spots. Marsh is better served as a team’s fourth outfielder, while Kepler and Rojas both struggled in 2024. As a result, the Phillies could grab this former Yankees outfielder.”
VonScio says Philadelphia might offer Verdugo a four-year contract to help secure the slugging outfielder.
“Verdugo is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $60.8 million. This comes out to $15.2 million per year for the outfielder who will turn 29 years old in May. He would be a reasonable option for the Phillies to help contend in the National League East,” VonScio wrote.
Verdugo batted .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs in 2024 for the Yankees.
Analyst Believes Verdugo Would Fit Well With Phillies
Verdugo might help the Phillies improve their offense while simultaneously playing strong defense.
VonScio believes Verdugo would fit well in Philadelphia because of the way Citizens Bank Park is designed and how it would benefit him offensively.
“Alex Verdugo hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI for the Yankees in 2024. He is primarily a left fielder, and he would instantly slot in as an upgrade over Kepler,” VonScio wrote. “His season in the Bronx didn’t necessarily go as planned, so he is looking to bounce back and gravitate more toward his numbers from 2023 (.264/.324/.461).
“One thing that would help Verdugo in Philadelphia is the dimensions of Citizens Bank Park. It is 330 feet to straightaway right field and 369 feet to the right field power alley,” VonScio added. “Right field would be 15 feet deeper with the Phillies, but the power alley would be 16 feet shorter and should help boost Verdugo’s home run numbers. Baseball Savant shows Verdugo was one of the best left fielders in all of Major League Baseball in 2024. He finished the season in the 96th percentile for arm value and the 94th percentile for arm strength.”
Verdugo would most likely be the Phillies’ starting left fielder if he signs a four-year contract as expected.
Yankees Likely to Turn to Jasson Dominguez in Outfield
New York’s outfield will look very different in 2025.
After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets and likely losing Verdugo, only Aaron Judge will remain on the Yankees’ 2024 roster. However, the Yankees acquired Bellinger, and general manager Brian Cashman believes Jasson Dominguez will have a chance to start.
“I’d like to see Dominguez get his shot now,’’ Cashman addressed to the media. “He’s young. He’s got to earn it and retain it.”
Ominguez appeared in 18 games in 2024, batting.179 with two home runs and four RBI.
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