MLB Rumors: Alex Verdugo Contract Interests Mets, Pirates, Blue Jays in Free Agency

While many of the biggest free agents of this MLB offseason have already found their next homes, there are still talented options available.

With that as the backdrop, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported Tuesday that the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays were all interested in outfielder Alex Verdugo. Cotillo called the Pirates "a team to watch" in his pursuit.

Verdugo has provef versatile enough to play all three outfield spots throughout his career, although he was primarily a left fielder for the New York Yankees last season.

He also impressed in that role and posted eight defensive runs saved above average in left in 2024, per FanGraphs. That effort came after he tallied nine defensive runs saved above average as a right fielder in 2023 for the Boston Red Sox.

While Verdugo has a solid glove, he can also add some power to whichever team he joins.

He slashed .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI in 149 games for the Yankees. It was his fourth straight season with double-digit home run totals and fifth straight if ignoring the 2020 campaign that was shortened by COVID-19.

The batting average was a trend in the wrong direction, though, as he hit .260 or better every year of his career until last season. That stretch includes when he hit .308 in 53 games in 2020.

Ultimately, Verdugo should still have years left of peak production at 28 years old and is accustomed to playing under the bright lights after previous stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Red Sox and Yankees.

He adds power to the offense and can play across the outfield for a manager looking to mix and match his lineups. He won't drastically raise the ceiling for an organization, but he would be a noteworthy addition.