Former Dodgers Outfielder Shockingly Traded in Biggest Move of Winter Meetings

We have more trade action!

We have a big trade at the Winter Meetings and it involves former Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo. He was sent to the New York Yankees from the rival Boston Red Sox in exchange for three right-handed pitchers — Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice.

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan was the one to break the news of the trade.

BREAKING: The New York Yankees are acquiring outfielder Alex Verdugo in a trade with the Boston Red Sox for right-handeres Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2023

It’s not often that we see a deal take place between the two rivals, as it's just the seventh trade between the teams in the last 50 years. This shocking development sparked a jolt into the baseball industry which had been dying to have some action at their Winter Meetings.

Dodgers fans may remember Verdugo as the centerpiece player in their trade to acquire star Mookie Betts, further proving that LA indeed won the trade years later. Another member of the 2020 deal, Jeter Downs, was designated for assignment by Boston, as well.

Feels like a good team to revisit the Dodgers/Red Sox Mookie Betts trade.

Red Sox got:

Alex Verdugo — Traded to Yankees after four seasons, no All-Star appearances
Jeter Downs — DFA'd by Boston after hitting .154 in 2022
Connor Wong — Career .670 OPS in 159 games with Boston

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 6, 2023

Verdugo never lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was traded to Boston, and the Red Sox were always wanting more. With him entering the final year of his contract, this led many to believe that he could be traded this offseason.

Last season with Boston, Verdugo hit .264 with 13 home runs and 54 runs batted in over 142 games played. He has consistently played in at least 140 games each of the last three seasons, showing his durability on the field. 

Verdugo now lands in New York where he should provide them with a solid left-handed bat in their lineup. The Yankees have been targeting lefty bats this offseason, and have wanted to bring in at least two.

Playing in New York with the Yankees is much different than being with the Dodgers or Red Sox, so we will see what Verdugo is made of. We wish him well with his new team and hope he has a great season in the Bronx.