Yankees' projected $60 million outfielder might thrive on 'lower pressure' club

A New York Yankees outfielder who struggled last season might jump to another team in the American League East.

Juan Soto’s departure and the Yankees’ acquisition of former MVP Cody Bellinger will have the Bronx outfield looking different in 2025. New York is widely expected to start Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Domínguez on Opening Day, barring any further big moves.

As such, free agent Alex Verdugo’s return to the Yanks is an unlikely scenario. According to a new report from ClutchPoints’ Russell Steinberg, Verdugo moving on from New York might also be the best thing for his career.

Steinberg believes a franchise like the Toronto Blue Jays would offer Verdugo the opportunity to find his mojo again, something that’s difficult to wrestle with under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium.

Per Steinberg, the Blue Jays — who lack quality left fielders — would also benefit from adding a guy like Verdugo.

“For the moment, the Toronto Blue Jays' singular free agent focus is on Roki Sasaki,” Steinberg said.

“The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher has front-end-of-the-rotation stuff and can be an instant superstar on a low-cost contract. The Blue Jays are believed to be one of three teams still in the running for Sasaki, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres the other two.”

“But whether they land Sasaki or not, there's plenty more that Toronto can do to fortify its 2025 roster.”

“As Spring Training draws closer, there are still some bargain bin free agents that present Toronto with low-risk, high-reward opportunities. While they chase Sasaki … (there) are guys that the Blue Jays shouldn't ignore.”

“Alex Verdugo drew the ire of Yankees fans last season as he struggled for long stretches in the second half of the season. But he didn't just forget how to play baseball.”

“Blue Jays left fielders hit only .207 last year with a .659 OPS, so if Verdugo can bounce back even slightly from his lone year in New York, it will represent an improvement.”

“There's no doubt he was starting to press at the end of the year as the criticisms grew louder and the boo birds emerged at Yankee Stadium. A lower pressure environment could do Verdugo some good.”

Spotrac projects Verdugo to demand somewhere around a $15.2 AAV, which could result in a four-year, $60-plus million deal. It’s not a cheap contract, but if Verdugo returns to form, it would arguably turn into a bargain deal.

Should the Blue Jays pounce? They need to do something to improve the roster. Finishing last in the AL East again would be a catastrophe.

More MLB: Yankees could sign projected $120 million Gold Glover after missing Roki Sasaki