Alex Verdugo is locked in at the plate and making history

For Alex Verdugo, the 2023 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride. The former second-round pick has carried the offense at times but has also been benched for being late. However, Verdugo has been on fire at the plate over the last three weeks and made history along the way.

In the Red Sox’s win on Saturday, Verdugo became the first player in franchise history to hit a leadoff homer in the first inning in three straight games. He is only the third player in MLB history to accomplish the feat, joining a list that includes Brady Anderson and Ronald Acuña Jr. With Mookie Betts making his return to Fenway for the first time since being traded four years ago, Verdugo has been the one making headlines.

While Verdugo’s power is a welcoming sign, it is another example of how he is taking his game to another level. Over his last 18 games, the Tucson native has posted a .353 batting average. He has added nine extra-base hits to his resume in that span. His recent success has partly been due to a more aggressive approach at the plate.

“It’s hard to say,” Verdugo told reporters postgame on Saturday, “because I feel like the last two games, I’ve been aggressive in the leadoff spot. The one in Houston, I took, I think, the first two pitches and then hit the third one out. So really, for me, it’s just calming myself down and not try to do much — just get a good pitch to hit, and the last couple of games, I’ve been able to do that and throw one on the board.”

Due to his recent power surge, the 27-year-old has 12 home runs this season, one short of tying his career high. Verdugo’s play is also not going unnoticed by his manager, Alex Cora.

“I’m glad that he’s playing well,” Cora said on Saturday afternoon. “But he’s been setting the tempo from the get-go the last three days.”

As the season winds down, the Red Sox will need their talented outfielder to continue his recent surge at the plate. Through 83 at-bats in August, Verdugo is hitting .325 after hitting .151 in July. With wins at a premium, Verdugo is showing why he is a valuable piece.