Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo is expected to leave the Bronx and sign a lucrative deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Verdugo, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox before the 2024 season, served as the Yankees’ starting left fielder last year. However, New York’s acquisition of Cody Bellinger likely closed the door on Verdugo’s return as he entered free agency.
According to Drew VonScio of Newsweek, the Phillies are seen as a strong contender to sign Verdugo.
“The Philadelphia Phillies know their outfield needs improvement,” VonScio wrote. “Nick Castellanos is secure in right field, but left field and center field remain unsettled. Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh, and Johan Rojas are vying for the last two spots. Marsh is better suited as a fourth outfielder, while Kepler and Rojas underperformed in 2024. As a result, the Phillies could pursue the former Yankees outfielder.”
VonScio predicts that Philadelphia could offer Verdugo a four-year contract worth $60.8 million, averaging $15.2 million per year, to secure the 29-year-old slugger.
Verdugo batted .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs for the Yankees in 2024. While his performance in New York fell short of expectations, analysts believe he could thrive in Philadelphia.
VonScio noted that Citizens Bank Park’s dimensions could benefit Verdugo offensively. “Right field in Philadelphia is 15 feet deeper, but the power alley is 16 feet shorter, which should boost Verdugo’s home run numbers,” VonScio wrote. He added that Verdugo remains a strong defender, ranking in the 96th percentile for arm value and 94th percentile for arm strength in 2024, according to Baseball Savant.
If signed, Verdugo is projected to become the Phillies’ starting left fielder.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are set to field a revamped outfield in 2025. With the departures of Juan Soto to the New York Mets and Verdugo likely leaving in free agency, Aaron Judge is the lone holdover from last season. However, the team expects Cody Bellinger to step into a significant role and has high hopes for prospect Jasson Dominguez.
“I’d like to see Dominguez get his shot now,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said. “He’s young and has to earn it.”
Dominguez, who appeared in 18 games in 2024, batted .179 with two home runs and four RBIs.
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