Outfielder opens Up About Being Singled out By Alex Cora Multiple Times In 2023

The Boston Red Sox‘s season was an unequivocal failure after a last-place finish in the American League East.

But for one player, it also led to finding themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo made headlines twice for being benched via manager Alex Cora’s decision. The first benching came in June for a lack of hustle and the second was in August for showing up to a game late. Verdugo finally weighed in on the situation on Friday Morning.

“I don’t feel any hard feelings. I don’t feel bad about it” The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey wrote. “I think for me there were certain things that could have maybe handled a little bit differently. But at the end of the day, I kind of have been the frontrunner in a lot of categories where I kind of get aired out or I get a little bit of discipline that gets heard about.”

Fair or not, Verdugo cannot seem to make a single slip-up without getting media attention. Cora has been quick to call him out but a solid relationship appears to be intact.

“I have no hard feelings against anybody,” Verdugo said. “The staff. AC. The front office. I love all those guys. They have all been great for me, treated me really, really good.”

This season Verdugo hit .264 with 55 extra-base hits including 13 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .745 OPS in 142 games while playing above-average defense. It appears there are no hard feelings between Verdugo and the organization, and he’s ready to forget about the rocky waters during the 2023 season.

Time will tell if he can survive the trade rumors and finish out his rookie contract next year.