(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo played the last four seasons with a familiar foe: the Boston Red Sox.
The most intense rivalry in baseball took a shocking turn when Verdugo was sent to the Yankees a few days ago in exchange for prospects.
The player was initially mad after hearing about the trade, because he couldn’t believe the Red Sox sent him to their bitter rivals.
However, he has had some time to digest the idea, and he has heard from multiple Yankees players welcoming him to the roster.
That has made the experience and the challenge much more exciting for Verdugo, who is starting to feel comfortable.
“Alex Verdugo said that his initial reaction to the trade was ‘mad – they really sent me to the rivals?’ Then after a day, he heard from Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rizzo, and is looking forward to a fresh start. ‘It got me excited. I shaved right away so I could feel like I’m in it,’” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Alex Verdugo said that his initial reaction to the trade was “mad – they really sent me to the rivals?”
Then after a day, he heard from Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rizzo, and is looking forward to a fresh start.
“It got me excited. I shaved right away so I could feel…
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 21, 2023
Verdugo was the primary piece the Red Sox got in return from Mookie Betts in early 2020.
He had four solid, if unspectacular seasons in Beantown.
In 2023, he slashed .264/.324/.421 with 13 home runs and a .745 OPS.
That’s league-average offense, but he does have some untapped potential and will play home games with the short porch of Yankee Stadium.
It’s not hard to see him establishing a career-high in home runs (he is currently at 13).
The player is locked in, he has a strong supporting cast, and he has warmed up to the idea of playing for the Yankees.
He should be good to go come spring training.
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