Yankees acquire Alex Verdugo

[Rik19753]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/yankees-to-acquire-alex-verdugo.html

NYY trades Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice

BOS trades Alex Verdugo

 

This means one less potential suitor for Kepler.

[Rik19753]

The value that Boston got is probably the bare minimum for what the Twins will receive in a Kepler trade. Verdugo and Kepler are similar players in that they are both left-handed hitting outfielders that have one year of control on reasonable contracts. BTVs has Verdugo's and Kepler's values as 4.8 and 8.3, respectively, given that Kepler has been the better all-around player. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

That’s interesting. Just on scouting, I would rate Kepler and Verdugo about equal, or Verdugo just a shade higher since Kep has a tendency to lose his head for long stretches. I don't think the Yankees gave up much, either. Sort of a fantasy football type trade where they packaged three guys they didn’t need, for one serviceable guy. Although the AA guy might show something.

I would guess the Twins were offered this, and declined. 

[nicksaviking]

2 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

That’s interesting. Just on scouting, I would rate Kepler and Verdugo about equal, or Verdugo just a shade higher since Kep has a tendency to lose his head for long stretches. I don't think the Yankees gave up much, either. Sort of a fantasy football type trade where they packaged three guys they didn’t need, for one serviceable guy. Although the AA guy might show something.

I would guess the Twins were offered this, and declined. 

Offered or not offered, the appeal of moving Kepler or Polanco to me was always in a package with prospects for a better return anyway. As the team currently stands, I'm looking to upgrade the 26-man roster, not the prospect lists.

Maybe they'll find no suitors, but I'd not give up on that plan until all avenues are exhausted.