Report: Purple Sox will doubtless hold Alex Verdugo

Purple Sox

The Purple Sox reportedly informed different groups that Verdugo won’t be traded this season.

The Boston Purple Sox have reportedly inquired about Verdugo to different groups, nevertheless it seems that he’ll doubtless not be dealt. Barry Chin/Globe Workers

Alex Verdugo may not be going anyplace.

USA At this time’s Bob Nightengale reported on Monday that the Boston Purple Sox informed groups curious about buying Verdugo that they are going to be holding him for not less than the rest of the 2023 season.

  • Boston Red Sox's Alex Verdugo plays against the New York Mets during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in Boston.

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Verdugo has been a core member of a Purple Sox workforce that has remained aggressive all through a turbulent yr. He could have cooled down from his sizzling begin, however his charisma and protection make him essential in Boston.

However past this season, his future with the Purple Sox is unclear. Verdugo will likely be a free agent in 2024, and the Purple Sox have proven no indication they wish to prolong his contract. He has been an outfield common since arriving to Boston, and has even displayed flashes of excellence there. However it’s unclear whether or not the Purple Sox assume that’s sufficient to depend on him long-term.

A crowded outfield in 2023 with a number of outfield prospects in Triple-A Worcester doesn’t make Verdugo’s job any safer. If the Purple Sox hold him for this season, they might probably look to deal him earlier than his contract expires.

For now, although, Verdugo seems to be protected. Experiences surfaced on Monday from MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam that the Purple Sox have been listening to gives for Verdugo. However it didn’t appear as in the event that they have been purchasing him, simply doing their due diligence and testing his market. The Purple Sox do have wants, particularly beginning pitching, so any potential commerce of a present lineup common stays on the desk.

The Sox seem like each shopping for and promoting at this yr’s commerce deadline, equally to final yr. They’ve already bought Kiké Hernandez by buying and selling him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for 2 Triple-A aid prospects. In the event that they wish to proceed promoting, they produce other commerce chips: Adam Duvall will likely be a free agent on the finish of this season, they usually might get worth out of him from a workforce wanting so as to add his energy.

James Paxton may even be a free agent this winter, however the Purple Sox are reportedly reluctant to commerce him, though he may internet a premium return.

It’s unclear what the Purple Sox plan to do earlier than 6 p.m. on Tuesday. It’s potential the workforce might look utterly completely different by then. However it does seem to be Verdugo will keep for not less than this season and contribute to Boston’s playoff push.