New York Yankees outfielder is expected to depart the Bronx and sign a lucrative contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He was traded from the Boston Red Sox before the 2024 MLB season, served as the Yankees’ starting left fielder that year. However, with the team’s acquisition of Cody Bellinger, his chances of returning after hitting free agency appear slim.
Now, Drew VonScio of Newsweek predicts that the Philadelphia Phillies will be the team to sign him.
“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 believes Philadelphia could offer Verdugo a four-year deal to help land 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 hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs in 2024 with the Yankees.
Analyst Believes Verdugo Would Fit Well With Phillies
Verdugo could boost the Phillies’ offense while also providing solid defense.
VonScio thinks Verdugo would be a good fit for Philadelphia, given the design of Citizens Bank Park, which would likely benefit his offensive performance.
“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 likely be the Phillies starting left fielder if he does sign a four-year deal as predicted.
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