After the heartbreaking defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, New York Yankees they enter one of these The greatest offseasons in club history.

With a large group of players set to become free agents, most notably outfielder Juan Soto, the Bronx Bombers are likely to undergo a bigger overhaul than in 2023-24. This overhaul was successful due to his later appearances in the Fall Classic, so they need to make similarly impactful roster changes to get the job done this time around.

Notably, the Yankees’ biggest offseason moves in 2023-24 were trades to strengthen the outfield; In addition to the blockbuster Soto trade with the San Diego Padres, New York also acquired Alex Verdugo in an extremely rare trade with their nemesis, the Boston Red Sox. Both outfielders are officially free agents since the World Series ended, but while Soto is still mulling over where he’ll play in 2025 (presumably to the highest bidder, which could be the Yankees themselves), Verdugo is wondering where he’ll play next. He has an idea of ​​what he wants. year.

“This is the closest group of players I’ve ever been to,” Verdugo told the media after the game. “These guys move me because of how much they mean to me, how much they accepted me and let me in. So there are some things we have to think about but I definitely want to come back in pinstripes to help us win one. “

Considering Verdugo’s words, it now comes down to whether the Yankees feel the same way and want him back; This is undoubtedly a difficult situation.

Verdugo had the worst season of his career in the Bronx, batting just .233/.291/.356 with 28 doubles, 13 home runs, 74 runs scored, 61 RBI, 83 wRC+ and 0.6 fWAR. Despite his strong defense in left field (which earned him a Gold Glove nomination) and great chemistry in the team’s clubhouse, his lackluster offensive performance is cause for concern; Additionally, the Yankees plan to have their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, officially move into the starting role in the outfield, further complicating things.

In the end, Verdugo’s fate will likely depend on whether the Yankees bring back Soto. If they do that, the 28-year-old will likely leave the team in free agency because there will be no room for him in the starting lineup; The Bronx Bombers would use a combination of Dominguez, Soto, and Aaron Judge in the outfield. But if Soto leaves, the Yankees could legitimately consider reuniting with Verdugo and look for a bounce-back season; Dominguez would later become the team’s starting midfielder.

Verdugo has plenty of upside for a competitive team, so even if the Yankees let him go, he should still generate plenty of interest. However, his desire to stay in the Bronx is a testament to how well he got along with the Yankees, even in a down year.