Boston Red Sox: Alex Verdugo dubbed as ‘most complete hitter’ on team

There is just this thing about Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo that makes fans smile.

He is far away the player Mookie Betts was, but he’s certainly making that trade a lot more tolerable as he continues to inject his energy into this Red Sox team, especially offensively.

In Friday night’s thrilling comeback victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, Verdugo not only knocked in the winning, but his three hits on the night really kept the Red Sox offense flowing enough to eventually overcome a 4-run deficit.

While the team is still looking for a consistent leadoff hitter, Verdugo had become the perfect No. 2 hitter in the lineup ahead of J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts.

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With those three sluggers providing much of the power in the lineup, Verdugo is the most complete hitter of the group given his ability to get on base consistently and provide timely power.

Boston Red Sox young outfield receives the ultimate praise from Alex Cora

If Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora wasn’t already impressed by Verdugo, the dramatics on Friday night certainly inspired the skipper to give his young outfielder the ultimate praise.

"“There’s a reason he’s hitting second,” Cora said following the game.  “He’s probably the most complete hitter that we have.  He can go the other way, he can hit for average, he can hit for power, he works the counts, you know?  That’s the reason he’s hitting second.”"

Cora went on to compliment Verdugo on his control of the bat and the way he battles at the plate as a younger player, shining light on that youth as a reason the Red Sox and fans should be very optimistic about the future of a former top prospect finally putting it all together in the right situation.

Speaking of right situations, Alex Verdugo explained his mindset coming to the plate in the bottom of the ninth with a runner in scoring position.

In facing Toronto Blue Jays reliever Rafael Dolis, Verdugo knew he had to stay under control at the plate and just take what was given to him.

"“You have an idea of what’s going to happen and how his ball moves,” Verdugo told NESN after the game.  “For me, I just knew I had to use the big part of the field and not try to get carried away and pull it.  When I try to pull against him – his split, change up, whatever it is – it will get you out in front.  So I just tried to stay back, let the ball travel and kind of just do what I did.”"

The perfect example of what Alex Cora was talking about in praising his young outfielder.  Simply staying discipline at the plate and producing in big spots has been a joy when it comes to Verdugo.

On a team that has J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts knocking the cover off the ball, to call Verdugo the best overall hitter on the team is quite remarkable.  So far in 2021, he is hitting .294 with 8 homers and 27 RBI and is really establishing himself as engine that keeps this Red Sox lineup rolling.