New York Yankees Consider Reuniting with Alex Verdugo to Fill Designated Hitter Void

Image credits: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The New York Yankees are looking at their options to fill the void left at designated hitter, as the organization has no timetable for when Giancarlo Stanton could return to the team. The Yankees need to find an alternative, and one possibility is bringing back Alex Verdugo, a $60 million slugger who is very familiar with playing at Yankee Stadium. Verdugo had a bit of a down year in 2024, with a .233 average, 13 home runs, and 61 RBI, but he tied his career-high in the home run department.

Bringing back Verdugo to the Bronx would be a win-win for the Yankees, as this is a team that never officially replaced Juan Soto and could benefit from a player who brings some spark to the lineup. It would also allow the organization to rotate him into left field if the Yankees decide to roll the dice with Jasson Domínguez. Verdugo's market value is currently $60 million over four years, but with the 2025 season commencing soon, it's hard to see Verdugo receiving a multi-year deal or even a one-year deal at that price.

The Yankees could probably get Verdugo on a one-year, $9 million deal, which would help the organization fill a temporary need while giving Verdugo a chance to bet on himself before hitting free agency again in 2026. Even if Stanton returns in a month, it doesn't hurt the Yankees to have an additional depth piece. Some of the key statistics for Alex Verdugo include:

• .233 average in 2024
• 13 home runs in 2024
• 61 RBI in 2024
• $60 million market value over four years
• Potential one-year, $9 million deal with the Yankees

The move to bring Verdugo back would hardly be met with rejoice from the fanbase, but he would provide some defensive depth in left field considering the concerning struggles that have plagued top prospect Jasson Dominguez. It still remains unclear how long Stanton will be out, but it's likely the Yankees will need to make some kind of addition the longer he's sidelined. The Yankees are also considering other options, including Giancarlo Stanton replacement and designated hitter alternatives.

In conclusion, the New York Yankees are exploring options to fill the void left at designated hitter, and bringing back Alex Verdugo is a possibility. With his familiarity with Yankee Stadium and potential to provide a spark to the lineup, Verdugo could be a good fit for the team. The Yankees will need to weigh their options carefully and consider what is best for the team, but a reunion with Verdugo is definitely worth considering. Some potential outcomes for the Yankees include:

1. Signing Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $9 million deal
2. Replacing Giancarlo Stanton with a new designated hitter
3. Rotating Jasson Domínguez into left field