After early struggles and limited time in the Majors over the past two seasons, Alex Verdugo has broken out in a big way in 2019. The young Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder has a .345 batting average and 1.056 on-base plus slugging entering play Friday.
Verdugo has already generated a full win above replacement so far in 2019, per Baseball-Reference. That mark is good for second on the Dodgers in WAR after Cody Bellinger.
Furthermore, Verdugo has made a difference with both his bat and his glove. After entering last week’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers as a pinch-hitter, Verdugo fielded an eighth-inning single and threw out Hernan Perez as he tried to score from second base, ending the inning. Verdugo later said he prides himself on his defensive ability.
The next day, Verdugo got the Dodgers’ offense started with a first-inning RBI double to score Bellinger. The Dodgers wound up winning, 5-2, on a late home run from Kiké Hernandez.
Verdugo seems to be enjoying himself greatly on the field, and he explained why, via MLB.com’ Ken Gurnick:
“This is where you want to be. I’m playing for the Dodgers, one of the greatest teams of all time. I love this city, love the fan base, love everything here. It’s a dream come true.”
Bellinger may be the biggest contributor to the Dodgers’ powerful offense, but Verdugo has become a key part, playing his way into more starting opportunities after beginning the season on the bench.
Verdugo’s name constantly came up in trade rumors even after he made his MLB debut, but the Dodgers instead dealt away Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp last offseason to clear space in their outfield.
Anything can happen, but Verdugo has a good chance of staying in the city he says he loves if he keeps playing the way he has so far in 2019.
