The Boston Red Sox outfield has a new look for the 2024 season. Tyler O’Neill, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and Ceddanne Rafaela have all put on a show in Boston’s outfield, and some of them have also been hot on offense.
However, before all of the adjustments were made for 2024, Red Sox fans had grown accustomed to watching Alex Verdugo in right field. Boston’s outfield defense hasn’t suffered in his absence, but witnessing him perform so effectively for its rival hurts a little.
Verdugo is batting.264/.349/.432 with the New York Yankees, with five home runs and six doubles. He’s told everyone how much fun he’s having with his new best buddies, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, and he’s come up big for his team on several occasions.
Verdugo hit a three-run homer in the first inning of the Yankees’ May 7 game against the Astros. His three hits and four RBIs helped Justin Verlander lose by seven runs. He also hit an extra-innings home run against the Diamondbacks during New York’s second series of the season.
The Red Sox gave the Yankees the consistent, everyday left fielder they desperately needed in Alex Verdugo
"The guys love him in there. I think he loves it."
Aaron Boone talks about Alex Verdugo's energy in the Yankees' clubhouse: pic.twitter.com/mdKa9vN73k
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 8, 2024
The outfielder has also made a few impressive catches in the outfield, as he often does. He has provided the Yankees with continuity in left field, since they have started 16 different players since Brett Gardner’s departure in 2021.
The worst thing about Verdugo’s trade to the Yankees is that everyone adores him. This offseason, New York underwent a significant cultural shift, of which Verdugo was a major contributor. He, Marcus Stroman, and Juan Soto have worked to improve the Yankees’ “professional” image, which many mudslingers enjoy. New York still compelled Verdugo to shave his face and limited him to one chain per game, but Dugie’s vigor brings the Yankees into the modern era.
It would be incorrect to state that the Red Sox miss Verdugo. O’Neill and Refsnyder have been unexpected powerhouses at the plate, while Duran and Abreu have provided outstanding defense. However, the Red Sox’s offseason should never include assisting the Yankees better.c
