Is Alex Verdugo Still a Free Agent? Explore His Net Worth & Career Achievements

As spring training heats up and rosters across the league begin to solidify, there’s one name notably missing from the list of signed players: Alex Verdugo. Yes, it’s now 2025, and the 28-year-old outfielder—who played a key role for the New York Yankees last season—still hasn’t inked a deal. And to be honest, more than a few people around Major League Baseball are scratching their heads.

The Yankees Are Surprised Too

Several of Verdugo’s former Yankees teammates and coaches have openly expressed their shock that he remains unsigned.

“I am surprised,” admitted Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain. “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

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Manager Aaron Boone echoed the sentiment, saying, “He’s without question a big-league player and a big-league starting player, for me. It probably hasn’t lined up money-wise and team-wise, but he was great with us.”

Even Marcus Stroman, who doesn’t always wear his heart on his sleeve, offered a simple but telling take: “That’s all I’m going to say on it. But a lot of things surprise in this game nowadays.”

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So, what gives? Why is a guy who started every game of the World Series for the Yankees still on the open market?

The Alex Verdugo Profile: A Player with Ups and Downs

Let’s rewind a bit. Alex Verdugo, who boasts an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2025, has had a solid but uneven career in the big leagues. Known for his defensive reliability and clubhouse presence, Verdugo has been a steady contributor for both the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees, who acquired him in a trade just last offseason.

At his best, Verdugo can be a dynamic leadoff or middle-of-the-order bat. He entered 2024 with a career batting average of .281, but last season proved to be a bit of a downturn offensively. In 149 games, Verdugo hit just .233, adding 13 home runs and 61 RBIs. His 83 wRC+ ranked 121st among qualified hitters, which definitely doesn’t scream All-Star numbers.

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However, what Verdugo lacked at the plate, he made up for with his glove and grit. His ability to lock down left field was one of the reasons the Yankees leaned on him in big moments—even during the postseason, where he played in all 14 games, batting .208 with a homer.

Why Is He Still Unsigned?

According to reports, Verdugo hasn’t received a single major-league offer since entering free agency. It’s a surprising situation, especially for a player with a track record like his. Most insiders point to a few factors:

1. His down year offensively in 2024 likely cooled interest.
2. Financial expectations may not be aligning with teams’ willingness to spend. Verdugo made $8.7 million last season, and there’s speculation that he’s holding out for a similar or slightly higher figure.
3. Teams like the Yankees are prioritizing younger, cheaper players, such as Jasson Domínguez, even if those players come with more defensive question marks.

Teammates Are Still Backing Him

Regardless of the market, Verdugo’s former teammates seem fully in his corner.

“He was my lockermate from Day 1,” said Trent Grisham. “Loved playing with him. Great player. Really good defender. Had a bit of a down year last year, but great hitter, and a great teammate.”

Shortstop Anthony Volpe even called Verdugo “one of my favorite teammates ever,” pointing to the outfielder’s selflessness, toughness, and ability to lift the clubhouse vibe.

The most telling praise came from Judge, who referenced Verdugo’s jaw-dropping catch during Game 1 of the World Series. With two runners on in extra innings, Verdugo made a highlight-reel grab, tumbling over the wall in left field on a Shohei Ohtani popup.

“That just sums up everything that he is in one play right there,” Judge said. “Doesn’t matter—he was making plays like that in April and May when the games aren’t as big.”

What’s Next for Verdugo?

As of now, Verdugo is training in Arizona, staying sharp and waiting for the phone to ring. According to Volpe, Verdugo is “putting a lot of work in,” doing everything he can to stay ready for when the right opportunity comes along.

“This is going to be a really good chapter in his story,” Volpe said. “It’s pretty crazy that no one values that.”

Verdugo’s story isn’t unique in modern baseball. In today’s analytics-driven landscape, even gritty veterans with playoff experience can find themselves sidelined while teams opt for youth and cost-efficiency.

But don’t count him out just yet. With his defensive chops, infectious energy, and track record, Verdugo still feels like the kind of player who could end up being a mid-season steal for a contender.

Yes, Alex Verdugo is still a free agent, and yes, it’s surprising. Whether it’s a matter of money, timing, or market shifts, it’s clear there’s still plenty of gas left in his tank.

The only question now is: which team will take a chance on one of baseball’s most respected (and underrated) teammates?