Red Sox Fan-Favorite Has 'Low' Buzz Factor For Offseason Trade Despite Speculation

Will Boston actually end up trading away one of its fan-favorites this offseason?

The Boston Red Sox have an important decision to make this offseason revolving around one of the club's outfielders.

Boston acquired Alex Verdugo from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the massive trade centered around seven-time All-Star Mookie Betts. Verdugo has had a roller coaster of a stint with the Red Sox since joining the club ahead of the 2020 season. He has developed into one of the top defensive right fielders in the American League and has shown flashes offensively. He also has had some skirmishes with the club off the field.

Verdugo will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season and has found his name in trade rumors over the last year on numerous occasions. Although the rumors have started to heat back up, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand gave Verdugo a low buzz factor for an offseason trade. 

"The Red Sox have depth in the outfield, and Verdugo is headed for his final crack at arbitration. With Masataka Yoshida and Jarren Duran locked in and Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu ready to make an impact, Verdugo -- the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade -- could be expendable.

"Buzz factor: Low. Verdugo’s numbers won’t overwhelm anybody, but his strikeout rate is strong and his outfield play remains above average. If Boston wants to free up an outfield spot -- and the payroll associated with it -- Verdugo could be dangled in deals this offseason."

Verdugo is just 27 years old and has plenty of upside, but his time in Boston could end up coming to an end this offseason. Boston has a logjam in the outfield and trading Verdugo away could help bring in a new starting pitcher for the Red Sox. The Red Sox's biggest roster hole is in the rotation and they will be looking to add in free agency, but there will be plenty of competition. 

Although Verdugo has been a fan-favorite in Boston over the last few years, when the 2024 season rolls around he may be playing elsewhere.

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