Red Sox Sending Alex Verdugo to Yankees in Surprise Trade

It feels like a notable move involving the Boston Red Sox has been brewing over the last few days. Craig Breslow has openly talked about moving players in search of upgrades, and there's been plenty of rumors linking the club to free agents.

Well, Tuesday night happened to bring the first significant shakeup player-wise to Boston -- and it involved a division rival.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the Red Sox are sending right fielder Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees in exchange for Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice. Passan notes Verdugo was put on the market by Boston this offseason with him slated to hit free agency next year, which opened the door for this move.

It's safe to say Verdugo didn't quite live up to the expectations that came with being a key piece of the Mookie Betts trade. The former second-round pick had some decent production with an average of 12 home runs and 64 RBI over three non-shortened seasons with the team, but he never ascended to All-Star status.

Verdugo's departure doesn't come as a major shock considering his play and the fact Boston has a glut in the outfield. The Red Sox even had a pair of rookies make their debuts this season in Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela, who represent the future of this OF, just like Verdugo once did.

Fitts is perhaps the most notable of Boston's haul as a 2021 sixth-round pick who's made waves in the minor leagues. He could challenge for a role in the Red Sox's rotation in the near future after striking out 163 over 152.2 innings in Double-A in 2023.

Meanwhile, Judice is a reliever who was drafted earlier this year, while Waters is another bullpen option who's recorded a 4.60 ERA across 29 appearances for the Yankees over the past two seasons.

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