Red Sox Outfielder Reportedly On Trade Block Loosely Linked To Five Teams
Could Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow have a trade on the horizon involving one of their best all-around players?
Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo has long been rumored to be available via trade entering his final year of team control. Now he's being linked to a myriad of teams in need of a boost to their outfield corps, one of those clubs resides in the American League East.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden found potential trade matches for all Major League Baseball teams and listed the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals as logical landing spots for Verdugo.
Verdugo hit .264 with 55 extra-base hits including 13 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .745 OPS in 142 games. He also logged one out above average and nine defensive runs saved in the extremely difficult Fenway Park right field.
The 27-year-old was an American League Gold Glove finalist for defensive play last season while posting a 100 OPS+, making him an impressive all-around talent that will garner trade interest.
While there surely will be calls made on Verdugo's behalf, it might be a little premature to deal Verdugo. The Red Sox currently roster Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, Rob Refsnyder, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Verdugo to man outfield spots next season. Of the group, Verdugo is the most established.
The talented right fielder is entering his final year of team control and is unlikely to be extended past 2024. Still, the most logical move would be to ride out his final season and re-evaluate at the trade deadline.
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