Under-the-radar Red Sox player 3: Right Fielder Alex Verdugo
With the absence of Bogaerts, the team had to turn to another core piece to support the face of the franchise in Rafael Devers and that player is Alex Verdugo. The team has been waiting for Verdugo to take that next step as a player for the clubhouse and maybe he has.
The 26 year-old had an electric moment last night when he finsihed the night three for five including a walk-off RBI single to win the game for the Sox in the bottom of the tenth inning. "Dugie" has been my favorite player to watch and arguably the best player for the team batting .338 with 23 hits, 14 runs, and six RBIs in just 18 games played. Verdugo has been active among the bases with two doubles, a triple a home run, and a stolen base as well.
Alex Verdugo stole just one base last season… so this is very nice to see.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) April 16, 2023
He looks so much more athletic this season.
Gliding in RF and moving well on the basepaths. pic.twitter.com/exIHwzKdge
Viewing 99 from the Pesky Pole may become a regular thing. The team has shown the 26-year-old respect by shifting him to right field, which is one of the hardest places to field the ball at Fenway Park. Verdugo has been a defensive magician with zero errors, a forced double play and acquiring an assist while playing in right field.
There have been some brighter spots under the radar to start the year for the Boston Red Sox and as the year moves on we will find out whose performances will make the most impact on the team.