Report: Mets “Involved” with Alex Verdugo; Verlander to Giants

The Mets are reportedly one of the teams involved in talks with free-agent outfielder Alex Verdugo, according to FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray. Chris Cotillo confirmed the report on Tuesday.

Verdugo spent last season with the Yankees after spending four years in Boston. The 28-year-old outfielder was a main piece in the Mookie Betts trade that sent him to the Red Sox from the Dodgers, where he spent parts of three seasons. He finished 12th in A.L. MVP voting in 2020, the pandemic-shortened and his first season in Boston. However, his play has diminished yearly since.

While still providing positive defense, Verdugo has struggled with the bat, finishing his tenure in The Bronx with an 83 OPS+.

Verdugo isn’t the first outfielder the Mets have been interested in since signing Juan Soto last month. New York reportedly offered Teoscar Hernández a contract before the corner outfielder returned to the Dodgers. Jeff Passan said the Mets were still looking for outfield help beyond Soto, Brandon Nimmo, Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor and Starling Marte.

Other teams reportedly interested in Verdugo are the Pirates and Blue Jays.

Verlander Sign with Giants

Former Met Justin Verlander has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, according to Jeff Passan.

The 42-year-old originally had a vesting option for this season stemming from his Mets contract, but he did not hit the innings requirement needed to vest. Injuries limited his season, but when healthy, he also just wasn’t good. His 5.48 ERA and 72 ERA+ are the worst of his career.

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