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HomeGamingAlex Verdugo: Why Is Talented MLB Free Agent Still Unsigned?

Alex Verdugo: Why Is Talented MLB Free Agent Still Unsigned?

Alex Verdugo, MLB Free Agent, Baseball, New York Yankees, MLB Offseason, Free Agency, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Tommy Pham, Ben Gamel, OPS+, Outfielder, Baseball Savant, MLB News, Mookie Betts, World Bowling League

The Curious Case of Alex Verdugo: Why is a World Series Veteran Still Unsigned?

The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd have officially signaled the start of the Major League Baseball season. However, as teams settle into their rhythm and chase early-season victories, a surprising name remains on the free agent market: Alex Verdugo. This isn’t some unproven rookie; this is a player who, just last season, was patrolling left field for a New York Yankees team that battled its way to the World Series.

The situation is perplexing, to say the least. Verdugo’s performance in that World Series wasn’t exactly a liability. He contributed significantly, driving in five runs and launching a home run, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. Despite this recent experience and apparent pedigree, MLB teams have seemingly displayed a collective disinterest in securing his services. What exactly is going on?

The reports surrounding Verdugo are contradictory, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation. According to various sources, his former Yankees teammates hold him in high regard. Names like Aaron Judge, the face of the franchise, and promising young shortstop Anthony Volpe, have reportedly spoken positively about Verdugo’s character and contributions to the team. Even pitchers like Marcus Stroman and outfielders like Trent Grisham seem to have a favorable impression of him. These endorsements from within a high-profile clubhouse like the Yankees should be a strong selling point, yet they haven’t translated into a contract.

Throughout the offseason, Verdugo’s name has been linked to several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels, and Houston Astros. These were teams seemingly in need of outfield depth and potentially willing to take a chance on a player with Verdugo’s resume. However, none of these initial interests materialized into a concrete offer. Each team ultimately decided to pursue alternative outfield options, leaving Verdugo still searching for a home.

The Pirates, for example, opted to sign veteran Tommy Pham to a one-year deal worth $4.05 million. This move, while adding an experienced player to their roster, suggests that the Pirates were unwilling to meet Verdugo’s perceived salary demands. Pham’s contract value indicates that Verdugo’s asking price was likely significantly higher, perhaps twice as much per year. Houston, another team initially linked to Verdugo, instead signed Ben Gamel to a much cheaper one-year, $1.2 million deal. While Gamel is a capable player, the difference in financial commitment suggests that the Astros were looking for a bargain option rather than a significant upgrade. The Angels, meanwhile, expressed initial interest but seemingly never followed up, leaving Verdugo in limbo.

One potential explanation for the lack of interest lies in Verdugo’s recent performance. In 2024, he posted an OPS+ of 83, a significant drop-off from his previous seasons and the first time he had fallen below 100 since 2018. OPS+, or On-Base Plus Slugging Plus, is a normalized statistic that measures a player’s overall offensive production relative to the league average. A score of 100 represents the league average, with scores above 100 indicating above-average performance and scores below 100 indicating below-average performance. His 83 OPS+ signals that he was a below-average offensive player in 2024.

This decline in offensive production is further highlighted by the significant drop in his overall OPS, which plummeted nearly 100 points between 2023 and 2024, from .745 to .647. This sharp decline is concerning and could be a major factor in teams’ hesitation to invest in him. Teams might be wary of signing a player who appears to be trending downwards offensively, especially when considering the potential salary commitment involved.

However, despite the concerns surrounding his recent offensive struggles, Verdugo still possesses several qualities that should make him an attractive option for MLB teams. Firstly, he is still relatively young, with more than a year to go before his 30th birthday. This puts him firmly in the middle of his prime years, and it is entirely possible that he could bounce back to his previous levels of performance. Players often experience fluctuations in their performance throughout their careers, and a change of scenery or a new coaching staff could be all that Verdugo needs to rediscover his offensive prowess.

Secondly, Verdugo remains a highly skilled defender. While he might not be ideally suited for center field, his abilities as a corner outfielder are undeniable. He ranked in the 77th percentile among major league outfielders in range, demonstrating his ability to cover significant ground and make plays on balls hit into the gaps. Furthermore, he was among the top ten percent in both arm value and arm strength, according to Baseball Savant, a leading baseball analytics website. This combination of range, arm strength, and arm accuracy makes him a valuable asset in the outfield, capable of preventing runs and making game-changing plays.

Finally, Verdugo has a proven track record of staying healthy and being available to play. He has consistently appeared in a significant number of games, playing in no fewer than 140 games in each season since 2019. While he has experienced minor injuries that have kept him out for short periods, he has generally been a reliable player in terms of his availability. In a sport where injuries are common and can derail a team’s season, Verdugo’s durability is a valuable asset. His ability to consistently be on the field provides stability and reliability, which are highly valued by MLB teams.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding Alex Verdugo is a complex one. While his recent offensive struggles may be a cause for concern, his youth, defensive prowess, and durability should make him an attractive option for teams seeking outfield help. The fact that he remains unsigned this deep into the offseason is a puzzling development, and it remains to be seen whether a team will ultimately take a chance on him and provide him with an opportunity to revitalize his career. Perhaps a team will see the potential for a bounce-back season, recognizing the value of his defensive skills and the leadership qualities that his former teammates have attested to. The clock is ticking, and Verdugo’s future in MLB hangs in the balance.

Additional Note: The article also briefly mentions that Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts is set to own a World Bowling League franchise. While interesting, this piece of information is tangential to the main subject of the article and does not directly impact the analysis of Alex Verdugo’s free agency situation.

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