The New York Yankees are scrambling to address the void at designated hitter with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined indefinitely and no clear timeline for his return. While there’s been speculation about top prospect Jasson Domínguez stepping into the role, his performance hasn’t yet justified the move. Instead, the Yankees should consider bringing back a familiar face: Alex Verdugo.
Verdugo, who had a somewhat underwhelming 2024 season with a .233 average, 13 home runs, and 61 RBI, still offers value as a versatile and experienced player. Despite his dip in batting average, he tied his career-high in home runs and could provide a much-needed spark to the Yankees’ lineup. Re-signing Verdugo would also allow the team to rotate him into left field if they decide to give Domínguez more playing time.
With Verdugo’s market value estimated at $60 million over four years, the Yankees could likely secure him on a more affordable one-year deal worth around $9 million. This would give the team a temporary solution at DH while allowing Verdugo to prove his worth before hitting free agency again in 2026. Even if Stanton returns sooner than expected, adding Verdugo would provide valuable depth and flexibility for the Yankees as they navigate the 2025 season.
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