Red Sox Reportedly Receiving Trade Calls On Fan-Favorite Outfielder
It sounds like the Boston Red Sox may end up moving on from one of their young outfielders.
Boston outfielder Alex Verdugo has found his name in trade rumors over the last year on numerous occasions. Verdugo began the 2023 campaign on a red-hot streak and looked like he had put it all together and had taken a major step forward. He eventually cooled off and dealt with multiple issues throughout the season. Although his offensive play took a hit, he had the best defensive season of his young career in 2023.
The Red Sox reportedly spoke to teams about a possible trade ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline but were unable to come to terms on a move. There has been some speculation that those talks would pick up this offseason and they reportedly have, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.
"Craig Breslow readily acknowledged the Sox are getting calls on Alex Verdugo," Abraham said.
This doesn't mean a trade actually will happen this offseason, but it shouldn't be ruled out. Boston needs to improve its starting rotation and dealing Verdugo away likely would help bring in a cost-controlled young starter. Plus, Verdugo will hit free agency at the end of the 2024 season and it doesn't sound like an extension is on the table at this point.
The outfield is a point of strength for the Red Sox but trading Verdugo away would mean Boston may be in the market for a new outfielder. They have been linked to Chicago Cubs superstar Cody Bellinger on multiple occasions and there are other options available as well.
We may have seen the end of Verdugo in Boston.
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