The Yankees and their fans have grown fond of a former Red Sox player, but their relationship might soon end if the team makes a bold move by MLB’s July 30 trade deadline.
Alex Verdugo is hitting .261/.324/.441 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs, and a 118 wRC+ in 238 plate appearances. He’s been valuable in left field and a significant presence in the clubhouse.
“Would the Yankees risk disrupting team chemistry to acquire a needed asset and get Domínguez into the lineup? Possibly. Would they struggle to replace Torres at second base? Also possible, though they have internal options like Jon Berti (when he returns from the injured list), Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza. Torres would be owed the remainder of his $14.2 million salary, while Verdugo is making $8.7 million.”
With a record of 42-19, the Yankees have alternatives for those positions if they trade Verdugo and Torres to strengthen their chances of winning now and in the future. Domínguez, New York’s top prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is on a rehab assignment in the minors after Tommy John surgery last September. He had a .980 OPS over eight major league games before his injury.
New York acquired Verdugo before the 2024 season in exchange for two minor leaguers and Greg Weissert following Verdugo’s underwhelming stint with the Red Sox. He’s revitalized his career in New York but will become a free agent in the offseason.
Torres is a different case. His triple slash line of .230/.308/.324 is a career low, as is his 83 wRC+. His defense at second base has also been poor. Although Torres has been a fixture in the lineup since his 2018 debut, he is likely playing his final games with the Yankees as he approaches free agency. The Yankees aim to reduce payroll and have a wealth of infield prospects like Caleb Durbin, Jobit Vivas, Roderick Arias, and George Lombard.