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Although Aaron Judge is consistently stealing headlines since erupting in the month of May, the New York Yankees' American League-best 42-19 record must also be attributed to their offseason additions. Much of the focus is justifiably on Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman, but there is an unsung hero who is anchoring the defense.
And he came to the Yankees from an unlikely place. Left fielder Alex Verdugo, who was acquired in a December trade with the Boston Red Sox, leads all MLB outfielders with nine defensive runs saved (DRS). He has made a conscious effort to improve his defensive skills over the past couple of years, but the 28-year-old's state of mind is also likely a factor in his success.
Actually, it is more of a mission statement, one that is unsurprisingly not safe for work (NSFW). “I want to f*****g take everybody’s hits,” Verdugo told Max Goodman of NJ.com and The Star-Ledger.
The veteran ballplayer has always had a proclivity for colorful language, which Red Sox fans will remember quite well, but this memorable quote accurately describes the hustle and instincts he has regularly displayed in left this year. Based on the tension that existed between him and Boston manager Alex Cora in 2023, it seemed clear that a change of scenery was needed.
Alex Verdugo has crossed over into the “Evil Empire” and is fully embracing the Pinstripes way. Most importantly, he is serving a crucial role on a World Series contender.
Yankees are absolutely rolling in 2024
Following a disappointing 2023 campaign, New York entered a crucial round of Winter Meetings. General manager Brian Cashman rebuilt some of the trust he lost with Yankees fans in recent years, adding needed versatility into the lineup. Despite batting a modest .258 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs, Verdugo is a valuable change-of-pace hitter on a team that had been leaning heavily on the swing-and-miss side.
New York still has a plethora of sluggers, but bringing in a player who rarely strikes out and has the ability to record a bloop single when necessary could prove beneficial in the playoffs. He is a piece of what ownership hopes is a championship puzzle. The Yanks are currently tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for MLB's top record and appear to possess the perfect mix of star power and depth. They could have the formula for a deep October run.
Of course, confidence has been high before, only for the club to be ousted by the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays. The makeup of this team is different, though. Soto is a master of plate discipline and the starting pitching rotation is loaded. The issues that have repeatedly cost the Yankees in the past decade-plus may finally be fixed.
It is only June, however, so there is plenty of time for them to fall out of favor. Or, fans can choose to exercise a more positive mindset. Alex Verdugo could continue to acclimate himself to New York and become a even more impactful contributor.
