Yankees polarizing slugger predicted to sign with lowly National League team

The New York Yankees are already getting a glimpse of life without left fielder Alex Verdugo.

The 28-year-old is slated to be a free agent this offseason and with Jasson Dominguez already receiving regular playing time, it's expected that Verdugo will sign elsewhere this winter.

Where that will be remains to be seen. Verdugo hasn't done himself any favors in a contract year after the Yankees traded for him last offseason.

Still, there are going to be teams interested in adding his services to the roster when free agency rolls around.

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In predicting the starting lineups for the 2025 season, Joel Rueter of Bleacher Report has Verdugo, along with a handful of other veterans, signing with the Miami Marlins on a one-year deal.

"Rowdy Tellez, Carson Kelly and Alex Verdugo all fit that above description, and bringing them all aboard on one-year deals would provide an offensive boost while also restocking the cupboard with trade chips. All three players offer upside relative to their likely cost in free agency," Rueter wrote.

The Marlins have been a far cry from the team that made the playoffs in 2023. At 55-92, they are tied with the Colorado Rockies for the worst record in the National League. Of course, being major sellers at the trade deadline played a hand in that development as well.

Verdugo has had his moments during his one season with the Yankees, but it's been mostly frustrating for the former Yankee killer. He was endearing to Yankees fans early in the season with his boisterous play and high-energy personality, but his struggles on the field have overshadowed his solid fit within the locker room.

His 85 OPS+ and 36.3% hard-hit rate are well below his career averages while his 0.7 fWAR is the lowest mark of his career since 2018.

It's likely Verdugo will get a one-year deal somewhere and a change of scenery might be just what he needs to regain his form.

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