Alex Verdugo, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees before the 2024 season, had a challenging year in New York. After hitting free agency, his representatives have been working to find him a solid starting opportunity, but he hasn’t signed with any team yet. Now, with many of the top options off the table, the Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as a potential suitor, according to reports.
The Pirates, who have been relatively quiet this offseason, are still exploring options in the bullpen and corner outfield positions. MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams reports that Verdugo is among the players the Pirates are considering. While the team has made some moves, such as acquiring infielder Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians and re-signing Andrew McCutchen, they haven’t been highly active on the market so far.
Verdugo could offer the Pirates a cost-effective opportunity to improve their roster. Despite a disappointing 2024 season with the Yankees, where he posted a below-average 83 wRC+, he has been a league-average hitter over the course of his career. Since his MLB debut in 2017, the 29-year-old has maintained a career 101 wRC+. Joining the Pirates could provide Verdugo with a fresh start, giving him the chance to rebuild his value in a lower-pressure environment.
Given his subpar performance last season and his age, Verdugo is likely to sign a one-year deal with the Pirates, aiming to boost his stock before re-entering the free-agent market next offseason. At 30, he could still land a lucrative multi-year deal if he shows improvement, as many outfielders do at that age.
As a solid defensive player, Verdugo’s strong glove could add value to the Pirates’ young roster. If he bounces back offensively, he could help push the team closer to playoff contention while also improving his own marketability for future contracts.
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