Jonathan Papelbon Slams Yankees’ Alex Verdugo Over Manager Criticism

Although it may not have been the greatest offseason transaction, the New York Yankees’ acquisition of outfielder Alex Verdugo has already reignited their rivalry with the Boston Red Sox. Verdugo was dealt to New York by Boston following an inconsistent season in which he was benched many times. Verdugo had played for the Red Sox for the previous four seasons.

Jonathan Papelbon Slams Yankees’ Alex Verdugo Over Manager Criticism

When Verdugo was a member of the Dodgers, he similarly struggled with timing and got into arguments with pitcher Rich Hill. Verdugo has often been an average to slightly above average big league player, notwithstanding any off-field issues. It’s also not shocking that he attracted trade interest considering his and Cora’s past problems.

As it turned out, the New York Yankees received a trade for him in early December. Additionally, Verdugo mentioned that he didn’t really like Cora while discussing his time in Boston in one of his first interviews following the trade.

For the first time since the trade, Verdugo talked with the New York reporters on Thursday. The outfielder seemed to poke fun at Red Sox manager Alex Cora while expressing his excitement to play for new manager Aaron Boone.

“I’m very, very excited to work with Aaron, I’ve seen the way he has his players’ backs,” Verdugo said. “That’s something I want to see out of my head coach. I want to see some fire, some fight for the guys, and I think just instead of airing people out, have their backs.”

Verdugo’s remarks shocked Red Sox supporters, who chose to stand up for Cora, who guided the team to the 2018 World Series victory.

Former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon got wind of Verdugo’s Cora criticisms and, well…was not happy. “Verdugo” I mean Vertigo is a B****,” Papelbon posted on X. “Cora has his players and teammates backs more than anyone in the game. You aired yourself out by being late, lazy and unproductive. If I played for Cora I’m drilling this b****, just saying.”

Over the course of the season, Verdugo and Cora’s relationship seemed to deteriorate, which culminated in Cora’s decision to sit Verdugo in a pivotal August game against the Blue Jays and then fire Verdugo.

“From coaches to players to analysts to the front office, everybody has to be available every single day here,” Cora said after benching Verdugo. “That’s the bottom line, and today, one guy wasn’t available.”

Few former Red Sox players have criticized Cora for not being encouraging to the team’s players. Furthermore, a manager can believe that hinting that work has to be done in public is required if he believes that pressure to change privately is insufficient.

How many saves did Papelbon have?

The next season, he was even better, saving 37 more games for the Red Sox, the World Series winners. Papelbon recorded a team-high 219 saves throughout his 393 relief appearances overall. In 689 professional games, he has 368 saves and 808 strikeouts in 725 innings played.

Is Jonathan Papelbon a Hall of Famer?

This coming summer, the Boston Red Sox will induct three World Series champions and fan favorites into its Hall of Fame. Trot Nixon, Jonathan Papelbon, and Dustin Pedroia have all been chosen to become members of the Red Sox Hall of Fame in the class of 2024.

 

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