Red Sox Fan Favorite Already Turning Heads Early In Spring Training With Contract Looming
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The Boston Red Sox struggled in 2022, but there is optimism heading into 2023.
Boston finished in last place in the American League East in 2022 with a 78-84 record but with many new faces coming in and hopefully some holdovers' health improving, the Red Sox easily could improve. One player that Boston will need a big year from is outfielder Alex Verdugo and he already is impressing manager Alex Cora.
“He checked box No. 1. You guys see him, he’s moving well,” Cora said. “He’s getting ready for the (World Baseball Classic) but at the same time, he’s getting ready for the season. We’re very pleased where he’s at. Great attitude. He has always had a great attitude but I think, physically, it’s a lot different than last year and I do believe he feels a lot better than the last few years.
“I think physically, get his body in a position to be ready for spring training. He changed a few things: his routines, his nutrition, all that. He can feel it now, swing-wise. He’s moving well.”
Verdugo entered camp noticeably trimmer and already is impressing Cora. The 26-year-old was solid for Boston in 2022 but certainly played below his own standards at times. He finished the season by slashing .280/.328/.405 to go along with 11 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Cora specifically laid out what he wanted Verdugo to improve on and even called him out after the 2022 campaign and the young outfielder certainly took it to heart.
If Verdugo is able to put together a solid 2023 campaign he may be in line for an extension -- and it certainly sounds like he wants one -- and he's doing all of the right things so far.
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