(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Late on Sunday, Boston Red Sox writers Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo reported that the team was listening to offers on star outfielder Alex Verdugo.
Verdugo was one of several pieces that came back to the Red Sox from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade back in 2020.
However, it appears that for now, the Red Sox plan on holding onto the slugger.
On Twitter, MLB writer Bob Nightengale pointed out that several teams have checked in with the Red Sox on Verdugo’s availability, but have been told by the Sox that they intend to keep him through at least the 2023 season.
Several teams who inquired about trading for Boston #RedSox outfielder Alex Verdugo were told the Red Sox plan to keep him through at least this season.
He’s a free agent after the 2024 season.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
Verdugo is not a free agent until after the 2024 season.
But with the Red Sox in contention, it would make sense for them to hold onto him as opposed to trading him.
Boston enters deadline day in fourth place in the American League East, nine games back of first but only 2.5 games out in the Wild Card race.
The Toronto Blue Jays hold the third and final spot as of now.
But with the Red Sox not far behind, trading Verdugo wouldn’t make much sense.
If the Red Sox do intend to trade Verdugo at any point, that would likely come in the offseason at the earliest.
The Red Sox could look to capitalize on his value as an impending free agent.
The 27-year-old is hitting .272 with seven home runs and 39 RBI this season.
He has been one of Boston’s key contributors since being acquired back in 2020.
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