Marcus Stroman drops cryptic comment on former Yankees OF Alex Verdugo’s market
From the moment Alex Verdugo made the final out of the Yankees’ World Series Game 5 disaster against the Dodgers until the Tokyo Series opener of the 2025 season between Los Angeles and the Chicago Cubs, the now-ex-Yankee reportedly didn’t receive a singular MLB contract offer.
His journey is not over. The conversation remains ongoing. But, following Game 1 of the 2025 regular season early Tuesday morning, a line in the sand has officially been drawn. One season ended. Another has begun. And, per The Athletic, not only is Verdugo still unsigned, but the Yankees’ playoff starting left fielder hasn’t received a big-league offer after making $8.7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility last season.
From the moment Alex Verdugo made the final out of the Yankees’ World Series Game 5 disaster against the Dodgers until the Tokyo Series opener of the 2025 season between Los Angeles and the Chicago Cubs, the now-ex-Yankee reportedly didn’t receive a singular MLB contract offer.
His journey is not over. The conversation remains ongoing. But, following Game 1 of the 2025 regular season early Tuesday morning, a line in the sand has officially been drawn. One season ended. Another has begun. And, per The Athletic, not only is Verdugo still unsigned, but the Yankees’ playoff starting left fielder hasn’t received a big-league offer after making $8.7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility last season.
Verdugo may not have been elite in his one season in the Bronx, but he posted a .762 OPS in the World Series and stepped up from time to time when needed, all while playing above-average defense. Yes, we’re grasping at straws, but at no point last year did we think, “This guy is not a big-leaguer.”
The Athletic caught up with Verdugo’s now-ex-teammates this week at camp, and they were universally surprised at the lack of interest. Marcus Stroman’s quote, which oddly hinted at something he wouldn’t quite dare to scratch, stood out (subscription required).
“Yes, I am (surprised),” he said. “That’s all I’m going to say on it. But a lot of things surprise in this game nowadays. Just keep it at that.”
