I Love The Balls On Alex Verdugo!

 Alex Verdugo has a plan.

In the cutthroat world of Major League Baseball, it’s not every day you see a player betting on himself with the kind of swagger and confidence Alex Verdugo is bringing to the table right now. The former Yankees outfielder, who dazzled us with his defensive prowess in left field throughout 2024, is a free agent with a bold move: a one-year “prove it” deal.

The 28-year-old’s performance in 2024 was a tale of two halves. On the one hand, his defense was nothing short of spectacular. He patrolled left field with grace and grit, turning potential extra-base hits into outs with a flick of his glove and a flash of speed. Yet, despite his heroics on the field, his offensive numbers didn’t quite keep up. A slump at the plate hurt his overall value, casting a shadow over his otherwise strong season.

This dip in offensive production has undoubtedly impacted Verdugo’s chances of securing a premium, long-term deal in free agency. But instead of letting this setback define him, Verdugo is leaning into the challenge, ready to prove his worth all over again.

ESPN’s baseball guru Jeff Passan has weighed in on the situation, predicting that Verdugo and his fellow free-agent outfielders are looking at one-year contracts. Passan explains, “Outfielders haven’t panicked yet because the combination of need and contending teams should get them paid.” He mentions that players like Jesse Winker, Randal Grichuk, and Verdugo are poised to find solid platoon roles, hoping for a resurgence that will lead to more substantial opportunities in the future.

Choosing to go with a one-year “prove it” deal is a risk, no doubt about it. But it’s a risk that Verdugo is willing to take, and that’s what makes him stand out and I love it. He’s sending a message to the league: he’s not done yet. He’s ready to reclaim his place not just as a defensive wizard but as a complete player who can deliver on both sides of the ball. And that’s the kind of attitude that can turn a one-year deal into a career renaissance.

So, here’s to Alex Verdugo, the man with the guts to bet on himself. In a world that often rewards caution, he’s choosing courage. And that’s something we can all root for.