Alex Verdugo is a Mexican-American professional baseball player. He is currently an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.
May 15, 1996: Birth of Alex Verdugo
On May 15, 1996, Alexander Brady Verdugo was born. This marks the birth of the future MLB outfielder.
2014: Signing with the Dodgers and Early Career
Drafted by the Dodgers in 2014, Verdugo opted to begin his professional career instead of attending Arizona State University. His early success in the minor leagues, including impressive batting averages and accolades like Arizona League All-Star and Baseball America Rookie league all-star honors, showcased his potential.
2014: Drafted by the Dodgers
In 2014, Alex Verdugo's professional baseball journey began when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2015: Continued Success in the Minors
Verdugo's rise through the minor league system continued in 2015. He consistently performed well, earning post-season all-star selections and even hitting for the cycle in a game. His performance earned him the organization's minor league player of the year award.
September 1, 2017: MLB Debut
Alex Verdugo made his long-awaited MLB debut on September 1, 2017, starting as center fielder for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres.
2017: MLB Debut and Commitment to Team Mexico
A significant year for Verdugo, 2017 marked his MLB debut with the Dodgers. He also committed to representing the Mexican national team in the World Baseball Classics.
2017: Triple-A All-Star and Futures Game Selection
Verdugo's performance in the minor leagues earned him a spot in the Triple-A All-Star Game and a selection to represent the world team at the All-Star Futures Game in 2017.
March 23, 2019: Dodgers' Opening Day Roster
Verdugo's hard work and talent earned him a spot on the Dodgers' opening day roster in 2019, marking a significant step in his MLB career.
2019: Trade to the Red Sox
After the 2019 season, Verdugo was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
February 10, 2020: Traded to the Boston Red Sox
In a significant trade, Verdugo was sent to the Boston Red Sox as part of a deal that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers.
August 2021: Birth of Son
Verdugo welcomed his son in Los Angeles in August 2021, marking a significant personal milestone.
2021: Starting Outfielder for the Red Sox
Verdugo became a regular starter in the Red Sox outfield in 2021, demonstrating his versatility by playing all three outfield positions.
2022: Continued Role as a Corner Outfielder
Verdugo continued to be a key part of the Red Sox outfield in 2022, playing primarily as a corner outfielder.
January 13, 2023: Contract Agreement with the Red Sox
Verdugo and the Red Sox avoided salary arbitration by reaching an agreement on a one-year contract, ensuring his continued presence in Boston.
December 5, 2023: Trade to the New York Yankees
In December 2023, the Red Sox traded Verdugo to the New York Yankees in exchange for prospects Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert, and Nicholas Judice.
2023: Room for Improvement
Despite a decent 2022 season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora saw potential for Verdugo to improve in areas such as baserunning and defense.
2023: Two-Way Player Aspirations
Towards the end of the 2021 season, Verdugo expressed his desire to become a two-way player, aiming to contribute both offensively and on the mound by the 2023 season.
2023: World Baseball Classic Participation
Verdugo was called up to represent Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
2024: Trade to the Yankees
In a significant move prior to the 2024 season, Verdugo was traded to the New York Yankees.
2024: Birth of Daughter
In the spring of 2024, Verdugo's family grew with the birth of his daughter.