Mets to Steal Another Yankees Outfielder. Alex Verdugo’s Market Is Heating Up

In a surprising turn of events, former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo is once again a hot commodity in the MLB. As the winter months bring more anticipation for free agent moves, reports have surfaced that the New York Mets could potentially add another Yankees outfielder to their roster, following their acquisition of Juan Soto. With his market now heating up, Verdugo is drawing significant attention from a variety of teams, including the Mets, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and even the Toronto Blue Jays.

Mets in the Mix for Verdugo: A Potential Free Agency Play

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Mets are currently one of the leading teams involved in the pursuit of Verdugo. With Soto already in their ranks, the Mets could be looking to further strengthen their outfield depth. Cotillo reported on January 7 that teams like the Pirates and Blue Jays are also vying for Verdugo’s services. This development adds an exciting layer to Verdugo’s free agency status, with multiple teams eyeing the talented outfielder.

As Cotillo revealed, “Pirates are indeed hot after Alex Verdugo and are a team to watch there…”—a sign that the race for Verdugo’s signature is becoming increasingly competitive.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Interest: A Strategic Move to Boost Offense

While the Mets are making waves, it’s also clear that other teams are not overlooking Verdugo. Robert Murray from FanSided highlighted that the Pittsburgh Pirates are keeping a close eye on Verdugo. With the Pirates looking to bolster their offensive lineup, Verdugo could provide the necessary reinforcements, especially after his somewhat underwhelming 2024 season with the Yankees. As Murray stated on January 3, “Verdugo is a player that they do like.” A stint with the Pirates could give Verdugo the opportunity to rebuild his value and set himself up for a stronger 2025 season.

Verdugo’s Polarizing Predictions: A Key Player for the Right Fit?

The potential for Alex Verdugo to shine in a new environment remains high, despite his underperformance in 2024, where he posted a career-low 83 OPS+. Many experts have offered conflicting opinions on his future, with some teams seeing him as a prime candidate for improvement.

On January 6, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report suggested that Verdugo could be a perfect fit for the Houston Astros, a team in need of a left-handed hitting outfielder. Should Verdugo join the Astros, he would find himself in a highly competitive setting, with rivalries igniting in the AL West. Reuter believes that the Astros could take a low-risk approach by signing Verdugo to a one-year deal.

San Diego Padres: Another Possible Landing Spot for Verdugo

In addition to the Astros, the San Diego Padres have been suggested as a possible destination for Verdugo. Jim Bowden from The Athletic predicts that the Padres could look to Verdugo if they fail to bring back Jurickson Profar. Known for his defensive prowess and consistent effort, Verdugo could fit into the Padres’ roster as an outfielder, offering day-in, day-out reliability. However, his subpar offensive performance in 2024 might result in him accepting a fourth outfielder role if a starting position isn’t available.

Final Thoughts: Verdugo’s Next Chapter in the MLB

As Alex Verdugo’s market continues to evolve, the New York Mets are firmly in the mix, looking to capitalize on the opportunity to add another key player to their lineup. With several teams interested and a variety of potential outcomes on the horizon, Verdugo’s next move could have a lasting impact on his career. Whether he lands with the Mets, Pirates, or another contender, Verdugo’s journey in free agency is far from over—and his next chapter could be one of the most pivotal yet.