Alex Verdugo Embraces 'Fresh Start' with Yankees After Trade from Red Sox
Verdugo Joins Powerful Yankees Outfield, Looks Forward to Proving Himself in New Environment
- Alex Verdugo, the 27-year-old outfielder, has been traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees, expressing initial anger at the move but later excitement after being welcomed by new teammates.
- Verdugo, who was benched twice last season by Boston manager Alex Cora for not hustling and arriving late to a game, looks forward to a 'fresh start' with the Yankees and playing under manager Aaron Boone.
- Verdugo has been working out in a Yankees cap and shaved his beard in adherence to the Yankees' no facial hair policy, stating that the changes make him feel like a kid again.
- Verdugo hit .264 with 13 homers, 54 RBIs and a .745 OPS in his fourth season with the Red Sox, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone believes Verdugo could benefit from Yankee Stadium's short porch.
- Verdugo joins a powerful Yankees outfield featuring Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who was recently acquired by New York in a trade with the San Diego Padres.