Ranking these prospects in all of the Deadline deals
The biggest question in Boston sorts right now is whether the Sox will be buyers or sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline, slated for Tuesday August 1st at 6:00pm EST. If the latest reports are true then one of their core players could well be on the market.
As was first reported by WEEI.com's Rob Bradford last week, Alex Verdugo's name is being mentioned in Trade Deadline talks. It's a conversation that has seemingly gained some steam.
Alex Verdugo is a name to keep an eye on at Deadline
According to both Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox are listening to offers for outfielder Verdugo. At once thought to be a centerpiece of the Sox rebuild and future, Verdugo, currently mired in a prolonged slump, could be a tradable commodity thanks to the emergence of Jarren Duran and Masa Yoshida. Verdugo is a free agent after the 2024 season, meaning this might represent his peak trade value.
The move could be controversial if not polarizing for a number of reasons. Verdugo was the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade, which no matter what will never be looked upon favorably in the eyes of Red Sox Nation even if a Verdugo deal yields a star or core player in return.
Dugie’s leadership and All Star candidacy this early season, combined with the emergence of Connor Wong as the starting catcher, helped lessen the blow a bit for Sox fans as Betts continues to be a star in Los Angeles for the Dodgers. Verdugo is also an emotional player and “energy guy” who has come through in the clutch a number of times the past few seasons for the Sox. Some within or outside of the organization may see this as the latest move of the Sox not valuing those loyal to the team or cheap when a veteran is looking for a contract. The Red Sox have proven fearless when it comes to dealing away popular outfielders the past half decade.
Perhaps Verdugo, who many thought would have been an All Star this season, has seen his average slip to .272 and a power outage at the plate (just seven home runs) due to uncertainty surrounding his situation and contract. One might think an established player like Verdugo would be unnecessary component for a team competing for a Wild Card spot (the Sox are currently 2 1/2 games back of the final spot). A trade of Verdugo, not to mention a trade of other vets on the team like pitcher James Paxton or outfielder Adam Duvall (whom the Globe reports the Phillies are scouting), would indicate the Sox are comfortable chasing the Wild Card without mortgaging the future. In fact they’d be bolstering the major and minor league rosters for 2024 and beyond, but at the cost of some major talent now, some of whom many fans have grown attached to, like Verdugo.
For those wondering who might be the third member of the Sox outfield going forward, not to mention might get a call-up if Verdugo ad Duvall are sent packing, the emergence of the speedy minor leaguer Ceddanne Rafaela, currently on the Worcester Red Sox, might well have made Veerdugo expendable in the eyes of Chaim Bloom and other Sox brass.
Will it be “Buy, Chaim!” from the fans at the deadline as the Sox acquire talent for today, or will it be it “Bye, Chaim!” from the likes of Verdugo and others as the Sox build more for tomorrow? The clock is ticking, and interest and nerves will be on high as the Sox continue their West Coast road trip in Seattle and other teams make moves before the deadline. Stay tuned to WEEI and WEEI.com for the latest.