The Toronto Blue Jays had a difficult 2024 season. After three postseason trips in four years, the Jays fell to last place in the American League East and finished with a 74-88 record, falling well short of October.
This offseason, they could potentially look to add some outfield depth. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Toronto appears to be a potential fit for outfielder Alex Verdugo.
“Pirates are indeed hot after Alex Verdugo and are a team to watch there,” Cotillo tweeted. “Other teams like Mets, Jays involved too.”
Verdugo spent the 2024 season with the New York Yankees after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox last offseason. With New York, Verdugo struggled, slashing .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs with 61 RBI and an underwhelming .647 OPS.
The 28-year-old outfielder was also the final out of the World Series, striking out against Walker Buehler as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their title.
But if he can regain his old form from 2021 when he hit .289 with the Red Sox, he could be of use to the Blue Jays. Perhaps he could be used as a fourth outfielder or draw some starts on occasion.
The veteran outfielder spent the first three seasons of his major league career with the Dodgers before joining the Red Sox and later the Yankees. Signing in Toronto would allow him to stay in the AL East.
The Blue Jays have already acquired Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians. We’ll see if they are in the mix for Verdugo.
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