When the Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for several pitchers, it was widely viewed as a temporary fix. With the promising Jasson Dominguez sidelined by Tommy John surgery, Verdugo was tapped to fill a crucial gap in left field, a position that has been problematic for the Yankees in recent years.
The Yankees Need More from Alex Verdugo
Despite being an above-average hitter in four of his last five seasons, Verdugo has experienced a downturn this year. Over 94 games, he has posted a batting average of .235 with an on-base percentage of .292 and a slugging percentage of .378, including 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. These figures mark the lowest batting average and on-base percentage of his career since his MLB debut in 2017. Additionally, his slugging has dropped significantly, and his weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 90 suggests he is performing 10% worse than the MLB average.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Verdugo ranks in the 27th percentile in barrel rate and the 28th percentile in hard-hit percentage, although he maintains strong metrics in chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. Despite these strengths, his overall volatility has made him one of the Yankees’ more problematic offensive pieces.
A Cold Stretch and the Future Outlook
Since the beginning of June, Verdugo’s struggles have intensified, batting just .208 with a .255 OBP and a 61 wRC+. During this period, he has been notably vulnerable, particularly problematic given his prominent role in the lineup. Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently described Verdugo as merely a “space filler” while the Yankees await the return of their top outfield prospect from a lat injury.
“Verdugo, who metaphorically and literally finished the first half face down in left field at Camden Yards, is just a space filler. In his walk season, he is almost certainly a pinstripe one-and-done.”
The Rise of Jasson Dominguez
Despite his setbacks, the 21-year-old Dominguez has shown considerable promise. In a brief stint at Triple-A this season, he batted .389 with a .405 OBP across nine games, displaying significant power. Last year, even in a limited eight-game appearance for the Yankees, Dominguez managed to hit four home runs and collect seven RBIs, underscoring his potential at the major league level.
What’s Next for the Yankees’ Outfield?
As Dominguez recovers from his injury, the next steps for the Yankees’ outfield strategy will be closely watched. Should he return with a significant portion of the regular season remaining, the team might opt to promote him, especially if Verdugo continues to underperform. This transition could mark a significant shift in the Yankees’ outfield dynamics as they prepare for future seasons.
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