MLB Rumors: Ex-Red Sox Facing Harsh Reality As Opening Day Nears

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs began a new MLB season in Japan on Tuesday, but a former Boston Red Sox outfielder remains unemployed.

Alex Verdugo’s New York Yankees tenure flamed out with a disappointing World Series run. The Bronx Bombers didn’t re-sign the 28-year-old since they wanted to allow their top prospect Jasson Domínguez a chance to earn a roster spot.

Verdugo isn’t the greatest outfielder, but he’s proven to be serviceable. That doesn’t seem to be enough for MLB teams as, according to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, Verdugo “hasn’t received a single major-league offer since becoming a free agent.”

The eight-year veteran made $8.7 million last season, so it’s possible he received a minor-league deal. That might not have been what Verdugo was seeking.

“Maybe a little bit surprised because he’s without question a big-league player and a big-league starting player, for me,” manager Aaron Boone said, per Kuty. “It just probably hasn’t lined up money-wise and team-wise and need-wise, but he was great with us.”

Yankees superstar Aaron Judge expressed a similar sentiment as Boone. However, beggars can’t be choosers, and it appears Opening Day in North America will kick off with Verdugo watching from home.