Alex Verdugo

Verdugo hit .280 with 74 RBI and 75 runs in 2022, but it was a largely disappointing campaign as his power and on-base percentage dropped. He finished 2022 with a 103 wRC+ and hit only 11 home runs in 152 games. He also saw his walk rate drop two percentage points to 6.6 percent, though he similarly cut his strikeout rate to 13.4 percent. Verdugo's defense has never been a strength, but he took a step back last season and finished with minus-five OAA. He handled left-handed pitchers better in 2022 but saw a sharp drop against righties, which led to reduced production overall. Verdugo could push for a .300 average if he can bounce back against RHP in 2023, but his below-average power and lack of production on the basepaths (one steal last year) limits his appeal to modest RBI and run totals. Read Past Outlooks