Yankees Shocked at Former Teammate’s Free Agency Status

As Opening Day quickly approaches, Major League Baseball fans are abuzz over Alex Verdugo’s unexpected free agent status. The former New York Yankees outfielder, once a promising top prospect and key contributor on the field, finds himself without a team just nine days before the 2025 season begins.

His prolonged free agency has surprised many throughout the league, including members of his former team. Yankees players and management alike have spoken out about Verdugo’s contributions both on and off the field, shining a light on the perplexing situation of a talented athlete struggling to secure even a minor-league contract.

Yankees Players Question Verdugo’s Unemployment

It’s not every day that a player with Alex Verdugo’s résumé goes unsigned so close to the start of the season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone and star outfielder Aaron Judge are reportedly among those expressing disbelief at the 28-year-old’s current predicament.

Verdugo’s former teammates have been vocal in their support, emphasizing not only his skills as a player but also his value in fostering team camaraderie.

Shortstop Anthony Volpe praised Verdugo as “one of my favorite teammates ever,” highlighting the significant impact the outfielder had in both the locker room and on the field. Outfielder Trent Grisham echoed these sentiments, calling Verdugo “a great player” and “a great teammate.”

Such accolades underscore the oddity of Verdugo’s lack of a major-league offer at this stage in free agency.

Evaluated by Performance: A Mixed Bag

While Verdugo’s character and leadership are unquestioned, his statistical decline last season may be playing a role in his current job search struggles. Posting a below-average 83 OPS+ in 2022, Verdugo hit .233 with 13 home runs over 621 plate appearances in the regular season.

These numbers reflect a dip in productivity, particularly for someone expected to make a greater impact offensively. However, his defensive abilities and flexibility as an outfielder still make him an intriguing option for many teams.

Verdugo also played a role in the Yankees’ playoff run last season, starting 14 games throughout the postseason. While his postseason production was modest, his willingness to compete during high-pressure situations shouldn’t be forgotten.

Yet despite his pedigree and experience, his free agency saga continues, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the former top prospect.

A Look Back at a Promising Career

Verdugo’s unsigned status is even more surprising considering his career trajectory up until this point. Once a heralded top prospect, Verdugo’s early years were marked by promise and flashes of brilliance. He has also started in a World Series, a feat few players achieve over the course of their careers.

Yet, as is often the case in professional sports, the combination of statistical regression and league-wide competition can be unforgiving.

Last year, Verdugo earned $8.7 million, a figure that reflects the high regard in which he was once held. Now, as the offseason winds down, he may be forced to take a minor-league deal, hoping to leverage his skills and experience if an injury opens up an opportunity within an MLB roster.

For a player who not long ago was seen as a cornerstone for the future, his current free agency struggle marks a significant and rapid fall from grace.

What Lies Ahead?

The question now is whether Verdugo can mount a comeback. At just 28 years old, he is still within his athletic prime.

For teams in need of outfield depth, Verdugo represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition. His versatility, combined with a history of strong clubhouse presence, could make him an attractive option if presented with the right opportunity.

While the Yankees and other teams have applauded his leadership and ability to keep teammates motivated, Verdugo faces the challenge of proving that his underwhelming 2022 campaign was an aberration rather than a trend.

Accepting a minor-league contract may ultimately provide him the chance to make his way back to the majors and rebuild his market value.

Final Thoughts: The Mystery of Verdugo’s Free Agency

As Alex Verdugo waits for his next opportunity, baseball fans and analysts alike are left to ponder how such a promising career came to this point.

The lingering question—why hasn’t Verdugo received a legitimate major-league offer—might eventually resolve as the season progresses.

For now, his situation serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the razor-thin margins between stardom and the potential grind of the minor leagues.

Teams often look for proven performers with clubhouse intangibles, and Verdugo checks those boxes despite his recent challenges.

Whether injuries, roster needs, or time itself act in his favor, one thing is clear: Alex Verdugo’s career trajectory remains one of the more fascinating storylines heading into the 2025 MLB season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees are in disbelief ex-teammate is still a free agent and hasn’t gotten a real offer