Alex Verdugo’s been like a breath of fresh air for the New York Yankees. Ever since his arrival, that bark and infectious attitude of his have made Verdugo a favorite in the Bronx clubhouse. Add to that his extraordinarily consistent performances, and the star has quickly become a cornerstone of the Pinstripes’ squad. So much has been his impact that now fans are filled with “pride” every time they see Verdugo do his Verdugo things.

It’s quite ironic how quickly the fans have warmed up to Verdugo. After all, when he first arrived, he was seen as an afterthought. It was not his fault; the Yankees had traded Juan Soto and signed Marcus Stroman. As a result, Verdugo’s arrival went a little quiet. However, ever since the season began, Verdugo’s star has risen. Now the fans can’t imagine the Yankees without the barks of Verdugo.

An interesting quote has gone viral from the Talkin’ Yanks podcast. “My pride of the Yankees and I don’t want no sh*t from nobody – it’s Verdugo. The lineup switch and then the immediate ‘don’t worry I gotcha,’ immediate! You need power from the clean-up spot? Three-run homer to start it off, that filled me with pride.” 

This has been said countless times for Verdugo. He has always been ready to step up in whatever role the Yankees want him to play. With a terrific.804 OPS and 129 OPS+, he has been one of the Pinstripes’ most explosive performers. However, what cemented Verdugo’s presence was how easily he fit into the cleanup spot. Now that he’s gone on paternity leave, the Bronx Bombers are missing him badly. 

However, the love hasn’t been one-sided. Alex Verdugo, too, has found an environment where he can flourish in the Bronx. The star has shared how the Yankees allowed him to “have fun” again.

How Alex Verdugo and the New York Yankees proved to be a perfect match

“Honestly, man, it’s been really fun. I’ve found the fun again,” Alex Verdugo said to The Athletic. “I really like the team—my teammates. I really like everything about this organization so far. When you’re happy somewhere, you just feel so much better when you’re playing, and when you’re going sh*t, I just think that’s what it is here.”

Verdugo was coming off difficult stays with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox. As a result, the star was a little apprehensive of the atmosphere he’d face in the Yankees. However, Verdugo has not only found a rebirth but might have actually become even better than before. Though he may have had better stats before, the sheer love he enjoys in the clubhouse is second to none. The fact that his barking has become a rallying cry for the Yankees has proved just how special things are.