The Yankees are grappling with numerous challenges as the trade deadline approaches, and the left field position has unexpectedly become a significant concern. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox this past offseason, Alex Verdugo has unfortunately been regressing, transforming from a hoped-for asset to a potential liability.
Verdugo’s Struggles Impact the Yankees’ Performance
Verdugo, 28, is currently batting .235/.292/.378, with 10 homers and 45 RBIs this season. His performance, marked by a 15.2% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate, reflects a downturn from his slightly above-average form over the past five years. His current 90 wRC+—indicating he’s performing 10% worse than the average MLB hitter—is particularly troubling for a Yankees team counting on him to step up during a hopeful postseason run.
Despite being shuffled around in the batting order, from leadoff to cleanup, Verdugo’s slugging production has sharply declined, hitting only .219 in June and an even lower .184 in the first two weeks of July.
Defensive Woes Highlight Recent Struggles
Although Verdugo has been one of the top defensive left fielders, a costly error in a recent game against the Baltimore Orioles underscored his struggles. Misjudging a routine fly ball, Verdugo allowed it to sail over his head, directly leading to two runs that cost the Yankees their lead in the ninth inning. This mistake was a low point in a series of underwhelming performances, contributing to the Yankees entering the All-Star break a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings.
Potential Shifts in Left Field Strategy
While it seems unlikely that the Yankees will seek a trade solution for left field, the potential promotion of Jasson Dominguez could reshape their strategy. Currently recovering from a lat injury, Dominguez needs additional time to return to form, followed by a rehab assignment. However, his impressive stats in Triple-A—where he hit .389/.405/.639 with two homers and three RBIs in just nine games—suggest he could bring much-needed vitality to the lineup.
Dominguez, a 20-year-old switch hitter, is already viewed as the potential starting left fielder for the 2025 season, especially with Verdugo in his contract year and likely departing in free agency. Should Dominguez perform well upon his return, the Yankees might elevate him to a starting role, relegating Verdugo to the bench for the remainder of the season.
This move could offer the Yankees the offensive boost they need while allowing Verdugo to transition into a reserve role, potentially stabilizing the team’s outfield dynamics as they push toward the postseason.
