Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo wants to be two way player

Back when Alex Verdugo was drafted in 2014, there was some question as to where he would play professionally. He was a two way star back in high school, a power hitting outfielder who also had an excellent fastball to go along with a developing slider and change. Now, after the success of Shohei Ohtani, the Boston Red Sox outfielder is ready to return to the mound once more.

Verdugo even has a timeline for when he wants to give this a chance. He plans on starting a throwing program during the offseason, with the goal of being a relief option for the 2023 season.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo eyeing two way role

It is understandable as to why he would be more interested in being a reliever than a starter. If he was brought into the game in relief, he could slot right back into the outfield once his time on the mound is over. The Red Sox, or whatever team he is on at the time, would have to manage the bench, but Verdugo could be an interesting asset.

That is especially the case if he is still able to throw as he once did. Verdugo feels that he can throw in the upper 90s, and if he still has his secondary offerings, he could be an interesting reliever, especially from the left side.

However, if this is going to happen in Boston, Verdugo will need to convince his manager that this experiment is a good idea. Alex Cora has outright said that he is not doing that, and he needs to focus on taking care of his body to be better going forward. Focusing on this pursuit certainly would not help.

But it never hurts to try. If the Red Sox are in the process of being blown out, they may as well bring Verdugo in to see what he has. If he can impress with his stuff in those outings, it is possible that he could work his way into the bullpen picture going forward.

Alex Verdugo wants to be a two way player by the start of the 2023 season. While the Boston Red Sox are resistant, a lot can change in a year and a half.