The Red Sox are off to a .500 pace season so far in 2023 with the lineup being overall decent. The starting pitching needs to tighten up, but the bullpen has been more than impressive so far. While there is plenty of season left for the roster to run on all cylinders, Alex Verdugo‘s playing some of the best baseball we have seen him play in Boston.
Alex Verdugo was the main piece acquired in the Mookie Betts trade in early 2020, and has yet to reach expectations since. But this year is showing promising signs already only a couple weeks into the season. Entering Spring Training, Verdugo arrived in Fort Myers and stated he’s in “best shape of my life”. It was noticeable how much Verdugo slimmed down over the offseason, and it’s already been noticeable how much it has improved his play on the field.
It was rumored from Alex Verdugo’s brother, Chris Verdugo, on Twitter over the winter that he was playing last season with a broken toe, which hindered him from his full abilities. However, Dugie was one of the Red Sox’s best hitters in the second half of last season. In the second half of 2022, Verdugo managed to hit .304 with 20 doubles and five home runs. While solid, there was still much more room to grow. And we are seeing it so far in 2023.
Alex Verdugo’s Breakout Campaign from the Leadoff Spot
In his 17 games this season, Verdugo is off to a hot start. In 71 plate appearances, the right-fielder is batting .328/.394/.438 with an OPS+ of 128. Dugie is also having much better plate discipline than we’ve seen in the past couple of years. He only has seven strikeouts on the year and is in the 86th percentile in chase rate, so far.
Alex Verdugo may also be the best current candidate for the leadoff spot in this Red Sox lineup. With the new speed that he offers along with the rise is plate discipline and hitting approach, he is crushing it so far. From the leadoff spot in 2023, Verdugo is hitting .311 with a .380 OBP with five walks already.
While Verdugo is impressing at the plate, he is also flashing some stellar defense, as well. Per Baseball Savant, he is 95th percentile in Outs Above Average with much more speed and mobility in the outfield. After a very rough 2022 season for the Red Sox outfield, having a solid defender like Dugie is reassuring.
The Red Sox face off against the Minnesota Twins tonight at 7:10pm EST and can be watched on NESN.
Follow @Matt__Irish on Twitter for more Baseball News.
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch. Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!”. Use code FANTOM when you sign up.