Yankees Surprised Alex Verdugo Remains Unsigned in Free Agency
It’s honestly shocking—Alex Verdugo is still without a team. The MLB season has officially begun, but somehow, one of last year’s key Yankees contributors remains a free agent. This has left many people, including former teammates and fans, scratching their heads.
Aaron Judge, one of the faces of baseball, openly admitted his surprise, saying, “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Verdugo is undoubtedly a big-league starter. Yet, despite the praise from those who played alongside him, no team has extended an offer. Not even one.
It’s not like Verdugo was some benchwarmer. He was an everyday outfielder for a Yankees team that made it to the World Series. He had his struggles at the plate, sure—his .233 batting average and 83 wRC+ weren’t exactly eye-popping—but he still managed to hit 13 home runs and drive in 61 RBIs. His defensive reliability was never in question, and teammates loved his energy and presence in the clubhouse. Even during a late-season slump, the Yankees trusted him enough to keep him in the lineup, hoping he’d find his rhythm in the postseason.
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So, what gives? Why isn’t Verdugo on a roster? Some reports suggest that teams like the Pirates, Angels, and Astros showed early interest, but none followed through with an offer. Instead, they went after cheaper alternatives, like Tommy Pham and Ben Gamel. Verdugo’s last contract was worth $8.7 million, and it’s possible that teams are hesitant to match or exceed that for a player coming off a down year. But still—zero offers? That seems extreme.
His former teammates can’t believe it either. Shortstop Anthony Volpe called Verdugo “one of my favorite teammates ever,” praising his effort, leadership, and impact on the team. Marcus Stroman simply called him an “incredible teammate, incredible dude.” The respect and admiration for Verdugo are clearly there, but that hasn’t translated into a job offer.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of Verdugo’s Yankees tenure came in Game 1 of the World Series when he made an incredible catch, flipping over the wall to snag a Shohei Ohtani popup with two runners on. It was a defining moment, one that showcased his hustle and defensive prowess. Yet, it’s a play that is slowly being forgotten—just like Verdugo’s presence in the free-agent market.
What happens next? That’s the million-dollar question. Verdugo is still training, still working, still waiting for the right call. His offensive struggles last season may have scared some teams away, but his age, defensive skills, and clubhouse presence should make him an asset to plenty of organizations. At just 28, there’s still plenty of baseball left in him.
Will a team step up and give him a shot? Or will Verdugo remain one of the most puzzling free-agent cases in recent memory? Time will tell, but for now, even the Yankees can’t believe he’s still available.
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