Latest Alex Verdugo Update Means Somehow the Mookie Betts Trade Got Worse During Quarantine

Alex Verdugo was a key piece that came over to the Boston Red Sox in the blockbuster trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 23-year-old outfielder could be seen as Betts' replacement, and is under team control through the 2024 season.

The problem is Verdugo also came to Boston dealing with some back problems. An oblique injury, followed by a back injury, held him out the final two months of 2019. Then, news emerged earlier this offseason he would likely miss Opening Day with a stress fracture in his back, and it appears things have only spiraled further downward during the team's downtime.

Verdugo still being limited in what he can do is not a great sign, considering Opening Day would have been nearly three weeks ago. Any lingering injury for Verdugo would be a disaster for the Red Sox, and would make the Betts deal look worse and worse as time passed.

The young outfielder missing time while Betts dominates for the Dodgers would only have Red Sox fans seething at the front office. The argument from up top would be that necessary salary was cut, and Verdugo is a long-term option. Yet his past injuries were not a secret and the team could have sought out other, better offers for Betts.

The one thing the team has is the benefit of time. Verdugo can continue to progress as the season remains delayed. But right now, the optics are bad, and the Dodgers look even smarter for selling the Red Sox on Verdugo as the centerpiece of the deal.

Imagine how rough this would look if Boston hadn't whined until Jeter Downs got included?