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Former Yankees outfielder released.

Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo is now a free agent.

New York acquired Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox in December of 2023 for Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert, and Nicholas Judice. In his lone season with the Yankees, Verdugo had mixed results, and after he became a free agent, New York opted not to re-sign him.

Verdugo then signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract but was released by the team in July. In March, he inked a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, but he never appeared in a game due to an injury.

Now, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune revealed the Padres have released Verdugo after he underwent shoulder surgery.

“Outfielder Alex Verdugo has a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out the rest of the season and require surgery. He has been released by the Padres. After signing a minor-league deal in March, he did not appear in any games for any affiliate,” Acee wrote on X.

It’s a disappointing ending for Verdugo, as due to injuries, he never appeared in a game this season. And, after how 2025 went, it could be the end for the once-promising outfielder.

Verdugo was drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was part of the trade that brought Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers from the Red Sox.

With the Yankees, Verdugo hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs.

Verdugo Enjoyed Time With Yankees

New York traded for Verdugo to be an everyday outfielder and make an impact at the plate.

Although the Yankees did reach the World Series that season, Verdugo struggled at times and was the final out. However, during the season, Verdugo spoke to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, and he said he enjoyed playing for the Yankees and being in that clubhouse.

“I really get to be myself. … I’ve gravitated towards [my teammates]. I feel like they have gravitated towards me. It’s one of those things where it feels good. It feels good to be able to be yourself and be appreciated. All the guys know, I’m rooting for them. … Ideally, all we want to do is win. We just have a group where everybody cares about each other. It makes it that much more special,” Verdugo said.

Verdugo, meanwhile, also said being traded to the Yankees was the best thing that had happened to him.

“I was, I thought I was going to get traded, I didn’t think it would be an AL East team, let alone the Yankees. Looking back at it now, it’s the best thing that has happened to me,” Verdugo added.

Verdugo is hitting .270 with 70 home runs and 328 RBIs in his MLB career.

Fans Urge Verdugo to Retire

Following the news that Verdugo was released by the Padres due to an injury, many fans called for him to retire.

Verdugo has struggled with injuries as of late, and fans believe this is likely the end for him.

“Time to hang it up,” a fan wrote.

“That sucks. I wish him well,” a fan added.

“Love him forever,” another fan added.

If this is indeed it for Verdugo, he would finish his MLB career having played 856 games.