Tenacious D? Yankees import Alex Verdugo brings that in spades like Jack Black. He’s also, impressively, taken his teammates to the School of Rock so they can all match his punk aesthetic with similar energy. Jumanji.
In recent years, the Yankees have been far closer to an unsuccessful version of the “Do Your Job” Patriots than the Nick Swisher-fueled Pie Rave they became during their most recent championship season. Even 2017 felt different; with a roster overloaded by rookies, the Yankees couldn’t help but take on a goofier air. After all, they really were happy to be there, right down to Ronald Torreyes’ fake camera.
For the first time in over a half-decade, the Yankees managed to find an edge. Once again, much like in 2009, they did so with an outfield import who was nearly an afterthought, overshadowed by the rest of the offseason’s headline-grabbing work.
Maybe that degree of quirkiness was important to the Yankees’ offseason plan. Maybe not. Maybe it was all just an unintended consequence of finally grabbing a left fielder for once. Either way, Verdugo’s 9 Defensive Runs Saved have helped him blow past his powerfully exceeded expectations, not to mention the clutch hits, dog barks, and frantic celebrations.
How’d the Yankees find a guy like this? Aaron Judge recommended him. And he’s here to take all your f***ing hits away (but not in the same way Joey Gallo was). He means the opponent’s hits. Happy to clear that up.
#Yankees’ Alex Verdugo has been the best defensive left fielder in baseball this season with plus-9 defensive runs saved.
He told me earlier this season that his mindset on defense comes down to one mission…
“I want to f—ing take everybody’s hits.”https://t.co/P84JLcllif
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) June 4, 2024
Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo has brought a defensive edge (and occasionally an NSFW one)
As NJ.com’s Max Goodman relates in his latest feature, fans knew fairly early on that the bouncy Verdugo had the level of unrelenting defensive skills they hadn’t experienced in recent years (at least, not on their side). From the first series in Houston to the tail end of a marathon doubleheader against the Guardians, his ridiculous ability to cover ground under any condition was often on display.
Verdugo’s elevated defense was never in question. Fans, instead, wondered if his bat would catch up, and whether the whole package would seem worth it if the offense lagged and the personality didn’t fit.
As of June, the verdict appears to be in. The chemistry fit is an incredible one (and, again, Verdugo’s a puzzle piece that Judge sought out). The bat has made significant strides. The defense? Second to none (“none” being the Yankees’ left fielders from 2023). Simply put, he’s been a f***ing hit.
