The New York Yankees face decisions on multiple free agents, but none carry the weight of Juan Soto’s potential free agency. While other free-agent decisions will impact the roster, Soto’s unique talent and expected market demand make his situation the most consequential for the team.
Juan Soto’s free agency could influence the Yankees’ spending choices on other players, as they may hold back on major contracts until his decision is finalized. This could directly impact players like Alex Verdugo, who struggled with the Yankees, posting an 83 OPS+. If the Yankees prioritize Soto’s contract, they might be more conservative with Verdugo and other roster adjustments, potentially waiting to see how Soto’s situation unfolds before committing significant resources elsewhere.
Many Yankees fans are hesitant about Alex Verdugo’s return due to his underwhelming performance in New York, where he posted an OPS+ of 83. His struggles left some supporters doubting his fit in the lineup, especially with the potential cost of retaining him amid the team’s focus on Juan Soto’s free agency.
In his latest offseason prediction, Will Laws from Sports Illustrated anticipated that Alex Verdugo would sign with the Oakland Athletics, which would align with the hopes of many Yankees fans who are ready to see him move on. This forecast suggests that Verdugo’s time in New York might be limited, potentially giving the Yankees more flexibility in roster moves as they focus on higher-priority targets like Juan Soto.
In his recent prediction, Will Laws of Sports Illustrated noted that Alex Verdugo’s performance last season, with a career-low 83 wRC+, came at an unfortunate time just before he enters free agency. Despite this down year, Verdugo’s past consistency as a capable outfielder and his age still make him a viable option for a starting role, even if not with a title-contending team like the Yankees. Laws sees the Oakland Athletics as a potential landing spot, where Verdugo could secure playing time.
Yankees Could Replace Verdugo With Jasson Dominguez
The New York Yankees are nearing a point where they must make a final assessment of Jasson Dominguez. Though he was once one of MLB’s top prospects, Dominguez has only had limited chances to showcase his abilities over the past two seasons, making it challenging to gauge his full potential. This decision is crucial, as his development could shape the Yankees’ future outfield and their overall direction with young talent.
Letting Alex Verdugo walk could open the door for Jasson Dominguez to receive more consistent playing time with the Yankees. Verdugo, who earned $9.2 million in 2024, might seek an even larger contract in free agency. By contrast, Dominguez would be a cost-effective alternative, giving the Yankees financial flexibility while allowing a promising young prospect to gain valuable experience.
Adam Weinrib of FanSided suggests that left field is essentially Jasson Dominguez’s “position to lose,” a sentiment that may reflect the Yankees’ perspective as well. This approach would give Dominguez a clear path to regular playing time, potentially allowing him to establish himself as a staple in the outfield while the team evaluates his impact at the major league level.
In a recent article, Adam Weinrib from FanSided discussed the Yankees’ left field situation, asserting that Jasson Dominguez has the edge for the role next season. However, Weinrib noted that Dominguez could potentially play center field if Aaron Judge shifts to right field. This gives Dominguez a strong opportunity to solidify his place in the Yankees’ outfield lineup.
Adam Weinrib from *FanSide noted that while fans view Alex Verdugo more positively than they did in September, the Yankees are unlikely to extend him a qualifying offer or sign him to a multi-year deal. This suggests the team may be ready to move on, focusing instead on younger options like Jasson Dominguez.
Verdugo Wants to Return to Yankees
Although Alex Verdugo’s performance didn’t excite many Yankees fans, his positive impact in the clubhouse was notable. He had a down season, posting career lows in several offensive categories, but it’s not unreasonable to expect he could bounce back in the future. However, given his struggles, the Yankees are unlikely to offer him a multi-year deal or a qualifying offer, potentially opening the door for younger players like Jasson Dominguez to take on a bigger role in the outfield.
Alex Verdugo is also known for being an elite defensive outfielder, a skill that proved valuable for the Yankees. This became especially apparent in high-stakes moments like Game 5 of the World Series, where solid defensive plays can make all the difference. Despite a down year offensively, his defensive abilities are an asset that could keep him in demand, even if the Yankees are considering other options moving forward.
Despite his strong defensive abilities and positive locker room presence, it seems unlikely that the Yankees will bring Alex Verdugo back. His underwhelming offensive performance in 2024, combined with the team’s potential interest in younger options like Jasson Dominguez, makes his future with the Yankees uncertain. Verdugo’s contributions may not be enough to secure him a long-term deal with the team.
Although Alex Verdugo has expressed a desire to return to the Yankees, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will. With his underperformance in 2024 and the team’s potential focus on younger players like Jasson Dominguez, Verdugo may be on his way out. Despite his defensive value and clubhouse presence, it appears the Yankees are looking to move in a different direction.
Alex Verdugo has expressed his appreciation for being with the Yankees, calling it his favorite team to play for. He also mentioned the possibility of returning in the future, whether next year or later down the road, despite the uncertainty surrounding his tenure with the team. Verdugo’s positive sentiment contrasts with the likelihood that he may be on his way out due to the team’s potential shift toward younger talent.
Alex Verdugo expressed his desire to return to the Yankees and showcase his full potential, especially offensively, where he feels he’s capable of more consistency. While his defense has been solid, he hopes to demonstrate his offensive ability in a more consistent manner. Verdugo’s comments indicate he still values his time with the team and hopes for another chance, though the Yankees’ future plans may not align with his wishes.
