New York Yankees acquire Alex Verdugo from Boston Red Sox in rare trade
The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox, as reported by ESPN. This marks just the eighth trade between the two rivals since the start of the Divisional Era in 1969.
In exchange for Verdugo, the Red Sox will receive right-handers Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert, and Nicholas Judice.
Verdugo, 27, spent the last four seasons in Boston after being part of the trade that sent star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is entering his final season of arbitration and is scheduled to make around $9 million. In 2023, Verdugo hit .264 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games.
The acquisition of Verdugo comes as the Yankees look to improve their offense after finishing 25th in runs scored in Major League Baseball last season. The team has also been involved in trade talks with the San Diego Padres for star outfielder Juan Soto.
In addition to Verdugo, the Yankees’ outfield options include Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, who will likely fill the designated hitter role.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox dealt Verdugo from a crowded outfield that includes Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, and Rob Refsnyder, as well as up-and-coming prospects.
The trade also sees the Yankees parting ways with young pitching talent in Fitts, who has shown promise in the minor leagues, and Weissert, who made his MLB debut in 2022.
The trade is expected to shake up the outfield dynamics for both the Yankees and the Red Sox as they prepare for the upcoming season.