Yankees concerned about Verdugo!

In spite of Jonathan Papelbon’s critical remarks, the New York Yankees should maintain a sense of confidence regarding their recent acquisition of outfielder Alex Verdugo. At 27 years old, this left-handed batter brings a valuable skill set to the team, demonstrated by his impressive performance last season, where he notched 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games. His addition is expected to inject significant power into the Yankees’ offensive arsenal for the upcoming season.

However, the prospect of retaining Verdugo’s services might be a fleeting one. As he enters the final year of arbitration before becoming eligible for free agency in 2025, Verdugo is poised to command a substantial salary in the following offseason. This potential financial consideration could position him as a candidate for a one-and-done stint with the Yankees, especially given the team’s probable focus on securing a new contract for star player Juan Soto.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Verdugo’s long-term future with the Yankees, the team remains hopeful that his evident excitement about joining the organization will persist. It remains to be seen whether Papelbon’s critical assessment of the outfielder will hold true as the new year unfolds, but for now, the Yankees are banking on Verdugo’s on-field contributions to bolster their offensive capabilities.