Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo (24) reacts after hitting a sacrifice RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Will the Yankees’ left field crisis force them to look to their past?

Alex Verdugo back to the Bronx?

If “one step forward, two steps back” needed a poster child, the present-day New York Yankees would be a perfect fit.

Last season, they found a temporary solution to their long-term left-field problem, though it barely qualified as one in the end. Alex Verdugo’s offensive struggles only worsened as the year went on, and the fact that he remains unsigned suggests he wasn’t exactly seen as a key piece for a World Series contender.

To be fair, I’ve been tough on Verdugo. Despite his offensive shortcomings, he’s a solid defender, something I’m appreciating more now, given what I’ve seen from Jasson Domínguez in left field.

Another tough play for Jasson Dominguez in left field: pic.twitter.com/y4Z011aa9h
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 27, 2025

Verdugo already has the captain’s backing, even after posting a .233/.291/.356 season at the plate. He committed just one error all year, finishing with a .997 fielding percentage. He’s still young, makes consistent contact, and, most importantly, the Yankees have a glaring need right now.

Verdugo could continue waiting for the right offer, or, as a known Aaron Judge favorite, he could play his cards right and help his old team at a time when they need it most.

Jasson Domínguez’s defensive struggles

Domínguez has struggled in left field, which isn’t surprising given that he’s traditionally a center fielder. You could argue that a center fielder should be able to handle left, but his early struggles raise questions about his overall defensive ability.

Of course, his offensive upside is what makes this situation interesting. In his brief MLB debut, he showed flashes of brilliance at the plate. If that was just a glimpse of what he can do, then maybe his defensive woes are a trade-off the Yankees are willing to accept. But if it was nothing more than a short-lived spark, then… well, that’s a different conversation.

In his first big league at-bat, on his first big league swing, Jasson Domínguez sent the ball into orbit! 👽

Happy 22nd birthday to The Martian 🥳 pic.twitter.com/Fmug3qbWSt
— MLB (@MLB) February 7, 2025

Verdugo added fuel to the speculation with an Instagram reel featuring highlights from his time with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers, showcasing defensive gems and the occasional homer (emphasis on occasional). “In due time.”

Verdugo just posted this to his instagram pic.twitter.com/tzZDO0I3e4
— LGY (@letsgoyanks_) February 28, 2025

Obviously, Brian Cashman isn’t making roster decisions based on an Instagram post, but for whatever it is worth, the post was liked by DJ LeMahieu, Judge, Luis Gil, and Juan Soto, among others.

Yankees have a decision to make

Alex Verdugo has the Yankees exactly where he wants them. Domínguez is struggling in left, Giancarlo Stanton is injured, and the alternatives aren’t exactly inspiring.

ALSO READ: Yankees’ power deficiency would be exposed if Giancarlo Stanton is absent from lineup

No matter how you feel about Verdugo, wouldn’t you rather see him back in the lineup than watch Trent Grisham stationed next to Domínguez on Opening Day? Last September, Verdugo’s presence was a roadblock for the young outfielder. This time around, he could actually be a safety net.

Of course, it would be very on-brand for the Yankees to bring him back now, only when he’s blocking Domínguez, rather than when he could have helped share the load. There’s no clear sign that the Yankees feel pressured to shake things up just yet. But if Domínguez stumbles a few more times, they might have to reconsider giving him a softer landing spot. And if that moment comes, Alex Verdugo will be waiting.

It’s what he’s been doing all winter.

Phillies and Alex Verdugo a potential match?

The Phillies are running it back with eight of their nine starters from last season, while rival teams, like the Mets, have made significant upgrades.

Some may question whether Verdugo is worth adding after his lackluster 2024 campaign, but his elite defensive ability and outfield versatility remain valuable assets. Given the Phillies’ current roster makeup, he could provide much-needed flexibility.

As the offseason winds down, the Phillies may look to finalize their roster, and if they decide to shore up their outfield depth, Verdugo could be an option worth considering.

Alex Verdugo

New York Yankees

Yankees

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.