With fewer than three weeks until Opening Day, remains unsigned. The former Dodgers, Red Sox and Yankees outfielder stands as one of the higher-profile names whos yet to come to terms on a deal with a team for the upcoming season. Hes been tied to each of the Astros, Pirates and Angels over the course of the offseason, although the former two clubs have since signed different corner outfielders. Pittsburgh inked on a one-year, $4.25MM deal. Houston brought back on a one-year, $1.2MM deal (though reportedly, only Gamels $200K signing bonus is guaranteed on that deal). Its not fully clear what type of situation Verdugo has been seeking. The 29-year-old is presumably looking for a big league deal, even on the heels of a down year and in the waning stages of the offseason, but preferences regarding asking price, location, etc. remain unclear. some context, however, reporting that prior to signing Pham, the Pirates floated the idea of signing Verdugo for around $8MM. It bears emphasizing that theres no indication an $8MM offer was ever Manny Trillo Jersey formally presented to Verdugo. Heymans report also doesnt specify the timing of that floated proposal. If it was early enough in the offseason, perhaps Verdugo felt he had sufficient interest to eclipse that mark or at least other clubs showing interest at a similar rate. It seems clear now that the opportunity in Pittsburgh has pa sed, with Pham in the fold there. The Bucs have Pham, and lined up for outfield work. Pham could always be pushed to a bench role, but he suggested early in camp that one of the reasons he chose to sign with the Pirates over other suitors was a greater opportunity for at-bats. It seems as though the Pirates communicated to Pham that hed have the chance for plenty of playing time. Plus, with Pittsburghs payroll at $88MM a bottom-of-the-barrel mark relative to the rest of the league but right in line with last years level for the Buccos ownership may not be comfortable putting any more dollars into the team. At this point in the offseason, its difficult to imagine Verdugo securing $8MM. There arent many teams with a clear need for a corner outfielder, and many of the potential suitors have minimal budget space. One of the reasons the Astros signed Gamel is that owner Jim Crane is loath to exceed the luxury tax for a second straight season. Gamel came at a bargain rate. Houston is le s than $5MM from the CBT threshold, . The Royals have been seeking outfield additional bats, but their projected $132MM Opening Day payroll is the second-highest in franchise history and is already nearly $20MM north of last years mark. At this point, it might take a spring injury to an established big league outfielder to spur a team to make a compelling offer to Verdugo. The Guardians (top prospect ) and Tigers ( , ) both have injuries in their outfield mix, but theres no indication either would consider a run at Verdugo. The Yankees increasingly seem unlikely to have for the early portion of the season, but they still have a full outfield ( , , , ) and seem to be near owner Hal Steinbrenners spending limit. The Rangers have had some injuries ( , ), but theyre short-term in nature and Texas is in a similar position to Houston with regard to the luxury tax. Verdugo took to Instagram earlier this week to post a highlight reel with the caption in due time a fitting descriptor of where things seem to stand. An opportunity will present itself eventually, but for now, it seems the 28-year-old (29 in May) will have to wait things out. Garrett Stubbs Jersey
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