Why Red Sox Won Alex Verdugo Trade Despite Yankees’ World Series Berth

Nearly one year ago, the Boston Red Sox pulled the plug on outfielder Alex Verdugo, and more surprisingly, sent the 28-year-old to the New York Yankees in a rare arch-rivalry trade between the American League East foes.

Verdugo, acquired by Boston four years ago as the centerpiece return of the Mookie Betts trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, never performed up to par in a Red Sox uniform. The lack of power production, overall inconsistency at the plate, and foremost abundance of immaturity, made it clear as day that Verdugo wasn’t cut out for Boston. Formerly viewed as the right fielder of the future, Verdugo turned out to be a clubhouse pest incapable of growing in a multitude of ways, rolling out his own carpet toward a trade that, if anything, has benefitted the Red Sox.

Sure, the Yankees are in the World Series — for the first time in a decade and a half. But Verdugo isn’t the primary cause of New York’s postseason run, nor could the case be made that the Yankees wouldn’t be where they are now without him. Verdugo is simply riding an Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton-driven playoff train while sitting comfortably in the shadows way in the back, protected from the spotlight and pressure of carrying the load to keep the Yankees from squandering their opportunity.

Here are three reasons why the Red Sox defeated the Yankees in the Verdugo trade:

New York has no incentive to keep Verdugo in 2025
Controversy, which seems to follow Verdugo wherever he goes, also creeped over his shoulders in the Big Apple this season.

As Verdugo attributed an attrocious start to August — he hit .217 (10-for-46) with seven strikeouts in the month’s first 11 games — to an allergic reaction to his batting gloves. Verdugo went as far as to linking the mysterious issue to his past hitting struggles too, even though he only managed to improve his August batting average of .204 to a still-modest .234 in September (19 games) after an equipment change was made.

Still, as Verdugo approaches the open market as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, New York has one primary reason to say goodbye to Dugie: Jasson Domínguez. The 21-year-old, and No. 1 Yankees prospect, according to MLB’s rankings, made 58 apperances in the minors this past season and — unlike Verdugo — is a piece of the franchise’s future, ready to make a leap next season in the big leagues.

Verdugo is among the most unqualified in terms of leadership
Even though Verdugo has been a big leaguer for eight seasons, the nearly-decade-long veteran isn’t regarded as a leader — at all.

When Verdugo played in Boston, he was responsible for what Red Sox skipper Alex Cora referred to as the “worst day” he’s had since becoming the team’s manager in 2018. Cora left it at that, but when Verdugo was dealt to New York and Boston ripped the band-aid once and for all, Verdugo subliminally took a shot at Cora — a respected three-time champion. Doing so, having never made an All-Star Game, failing to live up to his prospect hype and only excelling as an off-field liability, makes him a headcase.

Verdugo’s production doesn’t outweigh his too-cool hustle-lacking botching or inability to hold himself accountable, which certainly wouldn’t help the Red Sox. Boston is relying on youngsters like Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas, among others coming up, to get the team back on track. Looking to Verdugo wouldn’t help that case in any way, shape or form as the page turns at Fenway Park.

Boston’s return (Richard Fitts) made a solid first impression in 2024
While it’s important to highlight the (several) reasons why Verdugo’s departure was a win for Boston, it’s also critical to pinpoint what the Red Sox gained.

Boston acquired Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice. But Fitts, more than anyone else in the trio package return, stood out as soon as the right-handed pitcher was promoted from Triple-A Worcester in September. At the time, Fitts was ranked as Boston’s No. 13 prospect and recorded a 4.17 ERA in 23 starts (116 2/3 innings) with the WooSox before making the jump to Boston.

But underestimating Fitts, which the Red Sox didn’t do, only caught opponents by surprise once the 24-year-old finally took the mound.

Fitts didn’t surrender a run through his first 15 2/3 innings in the big leagues, logging three straight five-plus-inning shutouts with the Red Sox. He ended the year with four starts of experience under his belt, going 0-4 with an impressive 1.74 ERA. The winless record wasn’t indicative of Fitts’ pitching, but Boston’s offensive slump — the Red Sox hit .224 in September — giving Cora and the coaching staff something to consider before finalizing the Opening Day roster for 2025.