Character questions surrounding Verdugo trace back to his tenure as a minor leaguer in the Los Angeles Dodgers system. He was reportedly present at a gathering where a teammate was later investigated for sexual assault. Verdugo was never charged with wrongdoing, but the incident has cast a lingering shadow.

After a disappointing walk year with the Yankees last season, Alex Verdugo didn't sign with a new team in free agency until Thursday.

Verdugo’s agent, Dan Lozano of MVP Sports Group, didn’t return a message seeking comment. Last season, Verdugo made $8.7 million. A league source told The Athletic that the 28-year-old hasn’t received a single major-league offer since becoming a free agent.