The Boston Red Sox are in the thick of the MLB playoff race in August. However, the arrival of the 2023 MLB trade deadline could bring significant changes to Boston’s lineup with the possibility of one of their top hitters being moved on Tuesday afternoon.
Entering MLB games today, Boston had one of the most productive lineups in baseball. It ranked sixth in runs scored (526), seventh in OBP (.331) and third in batting average (.264).
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However, pitching has been a major weakness for the Red Sox this year. When play began in August, the Red Sox were 17th in ERA (4.25), 18th in WHIP (1.29) and 22nd in quality starts (32). It’s had a significant impact on how executive Chaim Bloom is approaching the MLB trade deadline.
- Alex Verdugo stats (2023): .273/.344/.422, .766 OPS, 107 wRC+, 2.0 fWAR. 14.4% K-rate, 39 RBI
Boston has already traded utility man Enrique Hernandez and has put outfielder Adam Duvall on the trade block. It now appears that Bloom is putting one of the club’s most productive hitters on the table, too.
According to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of Mass Live, the Red Sox have let MLB teams know there is a “willingness to trade” outfielder Alex Verdugo on Tuesday. Furthermore, they’re shopping him to teams in both the National and American League.
“A source with another American League team confirmed the Sox inquired as to whether Verdugo would be of interest to them.”
Report by Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam on Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo
Verdugo was the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. In that deal, Boston traded away the AL MVP outfielder for Verdugo, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Downs, a former top-100 prospect, was designated for assignment by the Red Sox in December.
Why the Boston Red Sox might trade Alex Verdugo
Verdugo has been one of the most productive Red Sox hitters this season. He ranks fifth in wRC+ (107), third in batting average (.272) and is tied with Rafael Devers for the team lead in FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (2.0) this year.
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However, Boston has likely considered two reasons for at least considering a deal on Tuesday. While losing Verdugo’s bat would cost them in the short term, there is the potential for both long-term gains and even a short-term boost from trading Verdugo.
- Alex Verdugo contract: $6.3 million salary in 2023, arbitration-eligible in 2024, 2025 free agent
The Red Sox have an extensive history of thinking multiple years ahead, especially when it relates to finances and players’ contracts. Verdugo is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter and he’ll receive a substantial raise after combining for a .284/.343/.424 slash line and .767 OPS in the last four years with Boston.
Boston might believe now is the time to move Verdugo, maximizing his trade value while he’s still under team control for 1.5 seasons. If the club waits until next year, especially at the 2024 MLB trade deadline, Verdugo’s trade value will dip because he’ll only be a half-season rental.
The other consideration is what Verdugo can get the Red Sox. While relievers can be acquired for mid-tier prospects, quality starting pitching requires premium prospects or an everyday player with similar value. With Marcelo Mayer off the table in trade negotiations, Verdugo becomes one of the best trade chips in Boston’s search for a quality starting pitcher with multiple years of contractual control.
The Red Sox might still ultimately keep Verdugo because there are only a few hours remaining until the trade deadline and the value and fit might not be right for a deal to be made. However, it’s clear the club is exploring a wide array of options to improve its pitching for the stretch run.