Verdugo 2023

[chawson]

We are definitely seeing a 27-year old leap from Verdugo. He's already at 2.9 bWAR in just 79 games played. He's on pace for about 5.5 bWAR, which would be by far his most ever.

Counterpoint.

Alex Verdugo 2017-22
.286/.341/.431, 7.5 BB%, 15.0 K%, .144 ISO, 49.0 GB%, .319 BABIP, 107 wRC+ (1957 PAs)

Alex Verdugo March 30-May 9, 2023
.317/.386/.514, 8.2 BB%, 12.7 K%, .197 ISO, 43.4 GB%, .342 BABIP, 145 wRC+ (158 PAs)

Alex Verdugo since May 10, 2023
.258/.330/.393, 9.0 BB%, 13.0 K%, .135 ISO, 46.8 GB%, .294 BABIP, 96 wRC+ (200 PAs)

 

[LoLsapien]

Of course this doesn't take into account his defensive improvements, which are statistically up across the board in right field, and seemingly matched by the eye test. But, it would be nice to see another power surge. Maybe we'll see some more doubles and dingers in the upcoming series against the AAAA's

 

[thestardawg]

Counterpoint.

Alex Verdugo 2017-22
.286/.341/.431, 7.5 BB%, 15.0 K%, .144 ISO, 49.0 GB%, .319 BABIP, 107 wRC+ (1957 PAs)

Alex Verdugo March 30-May 9, 2023
.317/.386/.514, 8.2 BB%, 12.7 K%, .197 ISO, 43.4 GB%, .342 BABIP, 145 wRC+ (158 PAs)

Alex Verdugo since May 10, 2023
.258/.330/.393, 9.0 BB%, 13.0 K%, .135 ISO, 46.8 GB%, .294 BABIP, 96 wRC+ (200 PAs)

Looks like a player who has maintained and even improved his plate discipline and has been a bit unlucky with batted balls Since may 10.

 

[chawson]

Of course this doesn't take into account his defensive improvements, which are statistically up across the board in right field, and seemingly matched by the eye test. But, it would be nice to see another power surge. Maybe we'll see some more doubles and dingers in the upcoming series against the AAAA's

It doesn't, no, and he's played a really good outfield this year. Though the metrics would probably say anyone has "improved" by moving out of Fenway’s left field.

Looks like a player who has maintained and even improved his plate discipline and has been a bit unlucky with batted balls Since may 10.

Okay, but not unlucky by much. Leaguewide BABIP for left-handed hitters this year is .298.

Verdugo’s 2023 average exit velocity is 89.1, which is exactly average for left-handed batters in 2023.

 

[simplicio]

It doesn't, no, and he's played a really good outfield this year. Though the metrics would probably say anyone has "improved" by moving out of Fenway’s left field.

Defensive metrics continue to be mystifying though, Fangraphs has his defense this year still slightly negative at -0.5, while Statcast has him 74th percentile by OAA with elite jumps and arm strength.