He had plenty of motivation to succeed in New York and would certainly benefit from being around Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo and the other seasoned veterans in his new clubhouse.

It wasn't hard to imagine Verdugo fulfilling his potential and having a season with 35 doubles, 28 home runs, 85 RBIs and 80 runs scored.

Ultimately only the first part was true. The Red Sox were right to trade him.

Verdugo had the worst season of his career, hitting .233 with a .647 OPS, just 42 extra-base hits and 61 RBIs. His 0.7 bWAR was a 73 percent decrease from 2023.

For a team that led the American League in scoring, Verdugo was a weak link.

His numbers in the second half of the season – a .606 OPS with three home runs in 202 at-bats – were so appalling that the Yankees called up rookie Jasson Dominguez in September and gave him 11 starts in left field.

“I was upset about it, but at the same time I felt like I needed to physically correct some things in my body and obviously eat a little better,” Verdugo said last week.

“I just started and used these days off to do something good for myself. I just let myself be treated, hit out, felt certain movements and certain things that I could somehow escape.

“Sometimes you need to be kicked in the teeth to reignite the fire under you.”

Dominguez hit .192 with little power and shaky defense. Verdugo kept his job, but it was more because Dominguez didn't take it away from him.

One of the crucial factors was defense. There is plenty of room in left field at Yankee Stadium and Verdugo played it well.

He was among the league leaders in defensive runs saved in left field and was named a finalist for a Gold Glove on Tuesday.

“I think it starts with defense because in a lot of ways the second half was a struggle for him offensively. But one thing that has never left him is the glove,” manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees played the Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.

Verdugo was 4 for 17 with four singles and an RBI in New York's first five playoff games. There were only two strikeouts, which makes Boone hopeful.

“He’s had good shots so far in the postseason. I feel like he likes the heated (atmosphere) of the postseason. That’s why I feel like he’s doing really well at the moment,” the manager said.

“I never lost sight of the fact how good a hitter (Verdugo) is. I think he can give us a real presence, especially at the lower levels of our order.”

Verdugo and Boone met before the Division Series against the Royals. The message was to find a way to finish strong.

“We kind of understood that we were on the same page,” Verdugo said. “My job is to go out there, make as many plays as I can, go up there and hit well depending on the situation – get guys across the floor, get guys in.”

“I felt like my shots were a lot better and I could control the zone a lot better.”

Verdugo, who performed well for the Red Sox in the 2021 postseason, also believes he still has more to give.

“When it's the moment when it's time to really shine, to really do something, I live for the stage and I love it,” he said. “This is the type of baseball I want to be a part of.”

Verdugo should enjoy it while he can. Juan Soto is the free agent outfielder the Yankees will prioritize, knowing Dominguez can take over left field.

Verdugo could consider a one-year deal with compensation. But perceptions can change in an instant in the postseason. He still has this chance.

Peter Abraham can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @PeteAbe.