As Opening Day approaches, former Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo remains without a team. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has established himself as a reliable major leaguer over his eight-year career, making it unlikely he’ll spend the entire 2025 season unsigned. However, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Verdugo has struggled to gain momentum in free agency: “Last season, Verdugo earned $8.7 million. A league source told The Athletic that the 28-year-old hasn’t received a single major-league offer since hitting free agency.”
Verdugo is best known for being part of the blockbuster trade that sent Mookie Betts from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Red Sox. From 2020 to 2024, Verdugo was a consistent presence in Boston’s outfield and a key contributor to their 2021 ALCS run. Over a typical 162-game span during those four years, he averaged a .288 batting average, .768 OPS, 14 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, all while providing solid defense and versatility in the outfield.
While Red Sox fans were ready to move on from Verdugo, it was still frustrating to see him join the New York Yankees for the 2024 season. Unfortunately for him, he had the worst year of his career, posting career lows in batting average (.233), OPS (.647), and an underwhelming on-base percentage below .300. With Boston’s current outfield seemingly set and top prospect Roman Anthony expected to debut later this summer, a reunion with Verdugo seems unlikely.
The most probable scenario for Verdugo is signing a one-year deal with a team in need of corner outfield help or a club looking for a veteran boost. However, if the Red Sox face injuries or decide to add depth to their outfield, Verdugo could emerge as a potential option. He’s a seasoned player seeking redemption and brings a winning mentality to any clubhouse, making him a name to watch as the season unfolds.
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