Should The Guardians Trade For This Red Sox Outfielder?

Is Alex Verdugo a smart trade candidate for the Cleveland Guardians?

Outside of finding a new manager, one of the biggest tasks the Cleveland Guardians need to do this offseason is to address their outfield depth. There was a lot to be desired offensively from this position group and it's going to need a boost if they want to get back to the playoffs in 2024.

Luckily for Cleveland, there may be a proven outfielder on the trade market for next season. 

Jen McCaffery, who covers the Red Sox for the Athletic, reported that Alex Verdugo is a member of Boston's roster who could be moved this offseason. McCaffery also said that it might only take a "mid-level infielder or a reliever" for a team to get him.

This could be an intriguing idea for the Guardians who need all the help they can get in the outfield. Would it be worth it to give up a bullpen piece to bring in a proven Big League outfielder?

Verdugo has a career batting average of .281 and .765 OPS. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 54 runners in 2023 showing that he can be a serviceable five or six hitter in any given lineup including Cleveland's. 

The 27-year-old is also an above-average defender and we know how the Guardians like their defense in the outfield. Verdugo ranked in the 70th percentile in outs above average and the 95th percentile in arm strength last season, per Baseball Savant.

Now, the only concern with trading for Verudo is there are some off-the-field worries that could scare away the front office. He was actually benched by manager Alex Cora for failing to hustle when the Red Sox were at Progressive Field in June. 

Aug 2, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Alex Verdugo warms up before playing the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-USA TODAY Sports / © John Froschauer-USA TODAY Sports

None of this is to say that Cleveland should drop everything, call up the Red Sox, and have a trade-in place for Verdugo as soon as possible. However, if the offseason goes on and the Guardians haven't been able to find a suitable upgrade then it's worth a conversation with Boston.

If the price is right, a trade for Verdugo could make a lot of sense for Cleveland. This isn't to say they need to keep or sign him long-term, but Verdugo could be a nice bridge until some of Cleveland's other young outfield prospects are ready for the Big Leagues.