A week after being traded to the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo took to Instagram to offer his gratitude to the Red Sox and all of the fans for their support during his time with the team.

“As I reflect on the past four years, I want to thank the Red Sox organization for welcoming me and my family with open arms from day one,” Verdugo wrote. “It was an honor to put on that uniform every day and represent such a storied franchise. I’m grateful to all my teammates I got to share the field and clubhouse with, as well as the friendships I’ve developed here.

“To the city of Boston and the fans, thank you for your passion, energy and for embracing me on and off the field. Your support meant more than I could ever express. Boston will always have a special place in my heart! I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my journey.”

Originally acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, Verdugo’s time in Boston was marked by a series of peaks and valleys. His first year with the club was a resounding success, batting .308 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and finishing 12th in the MVP vote, and this past season he made major strides as a defender and finished as a Gold Glove finalist in right field.

In between Verdugo struggled with his consistency and was benched on multiple occasions due to poor effort, poor judgment or both. With Verdugo due to hit free agency after next season the Red Sox opted to move on, trading the outfielder to New York for three pitching prospects.

As a result the Red Sox can still expect to see their former outfielder plenty this coming season, only now he’ll be wearing pinstripes on the other side of baseball’s biggest rivalry.