The Houston Astros might give Alex Verdugo a chance to bounce back after his disappointing 2023 season with the Yankees. They’re still looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder, and Verdugo’s name keeps coming up in discussions.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter sees Houston as a natural landing spot for Verdugo, who’s still searching for a new team as spring training approaches. The Astros need someone to compete with Taylor Trammell and Mauricio Dubón for the left field job.
Verdugo’s stint in pinstripes didn’t go as planned. His numbers tell the story – a career-low .291 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of just 83, putting him well below league average. His bat didn’t have much pop either, with his 87.7 average exit velocity ranking as his second-lowest since becoming an everyday player.
The Yankees have already moved on. They’re handing the left field keys to Jasson Dominguez this spring, making Verdugo’s return to the Bronx unlikely. That’s opened the door for him to potentially join a contender like Houston, where he’d have a real shot at regular playing time.
For the Astros, adding a left-handed bat like Verdugo could make sense. When he’s right, he’s shown he can hit – his career .259/.327/.408 slash line suggests there’s still something there. The change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to get back on track.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are still looking to add depth of their own. They could use another infielder, some bullpen help, and possibly a backup catcher before pitchers and catchers report.
