“We Killed It”: Red Sox GM Alex Cora Goes Deep on Trading Alex Verdugo Against His Wishes to Yankees

 Alex Verdugo for the Yankees hasn’t been a different player than the Boston Red Fox. Since his return to Fenway Park for the first time since the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry trade, Verdugo, with the Red Sox playing four seasons, was a beast fielder.  Similarly, brought into the Friday game against the Red Sox, he homered against his former teammate Brayan Bello. Smashing the ball 406-ft away into the stands, Verdugo showcased his on-field brilliance. 

Red Sox’s manager Alex Cora had some interesting things to say regarding the trade that brought Alex Verdugo into the Yankees lineup. Admitting that the trade worked for both teams, he said, “We got three pitchers, and we had some good players in the outfield. I think where we were as an organization, we were trying to maximize his value, and I think we killed it.”

Additionally, as for the Yankees looking for Verdugo, he replied,” I know they were looking for (Verdugo) for a while. There’s no secret. (Aaron Boone) has talked to me about him for a while. The at-bat is a good one. It’s a different at-bat for them compared to their other guys.” Applauding the stellar performance from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the Yankees, he praised Verdugo.

Adding Verdugo to the New York Yankees lineup, he felt it gave the team an extra and capable fourth batter, something that the team was missing.  Definitely, Cora is a smart brain, and trading Verdugo with the Yankees opened doors to get three good pitchers. Out of which, the Red Sox picked up Greg Weissert, a relief pitcher, after the trade. So, having an ERA of 2.83 and 31 strikeouts, Cora feels it’s a good deal. 

Despite unhappiness, Alex Verdugo still showed his prowess for the Yankees

Verdugo’s glorified arrival and sudden departure from the Red Sox showed in his game against his former team. After homering the Red Sox, the lad looked upset and shared some interesting insights post-game. Speaking with the reporters, he said,” I mean, I was upset. I’ve already kind of come out and said it. The first few days, I was upset. Didn’t really take it the best, but we sat down, we started thinking about all the positive sides of it and going to the Yankees and what they had to offer and the amazing organization that they are. So we quickly then shaved, and kind of got off on the right foot with them.”

Ever since February 2020, he has been on the trade ride. The Dodgers exchanged Verdugo and other players with the Boston Red Sox for Mookie Betts, David Piece, and other cash deals. Following his latest trade with the Yankees in December 2o23, Soto forgetting his sorrows always stood for each franchise.

Before the game against the Red Sox, Verdugo looked in tremendous form for the Yankees. He had already hit .259 with an OPS of .733 throughout 68 games in the Yankees jersey.  Ultimately, against the Red Sox, the 28-year-old outfielder showed his former team that he has still got it. As the trade has happened, things are working equally well for the Yankees and the Red Sox.

The Yankees have an extra batter to levy support for Aaron Judge.  Followed by the Red Sox having Weissert after the trade, he is delivering good performances for the team. He has an ERA of 2.83 in 29 matches, which is impressive. Eventually, as things stand, it’s a win-win situation for the Yankees and the Red Sox. Still, Alex Verdugo’s return to Fenway Park and hitting a home run felt personal for him over the bitter-sweet trade between the two teams. 

What’s your take on Verdugo’s sudden trade? Let us know in the comments below.