Outfielder Alex Verdugo has had to undergo significant changes since his trade to the Yankees in December, coming from the rival Boston Red Sox. Previously, Verdugo sported a thick beard and adorned himself with multiple chains, earrings, and a teeth grill. However, his appearance has drastically altered since joining New York, and it wasn’t entirely of his own volition.

Since George Steinbrenner acquired the Yankees from CBS in 1973, the team has enforced a strict policy prohibiting beards and hair below the collar. While Verdugo is not the only player to have shaved upon joining the Yankees, his presence has brought attention to another rule as well.

Verdugo recently disclosed to the Associated Press that manager Aaron Boone informed him of the restriction on wearing more than one chain during a game.

“It’s been quite challenging,” Verdugo admitted. “Because I’m used to wearing three or four.”

Stripped of his beard and multiple chains, Verdugo is adapting to his first season in The Big Apple. However, he hasn’t had the smoothest start.

Verdugo has appeared in all 10 games for the Yankees but is batting just .143 with one home run and three RBIs. Despite making contact — having struck out only twice in 40 plate appearances — he has struggled to convert it into hits. His .454 OPS would be a career low over a full season by a considerable margin.

Transitioning to playing for the Yankees isn’t always straightforward. Verdugo is striving to adjust while feeling somewhat out of his element. Nevertheless, his sluggish start hasn’t significantly impacted the Yankees, as they boast an American League-best 8-2 record, tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the best record in baseball.

Verdugo, a former second-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his debut with the team in 2017 and spent the initial three years of his career there. He experienced significant success in 2019, with a .294 batting average, 12 home runs, 44 RBIs, and an OPS of .817, before becoming a pivotal part of the blockbuster trade that sent Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. Boston fans have yet to forgive the Red Sox for that trade.

Spending four seasons in Boston, Verdugo compiled a slash line of .281/.338/.424 with 43 home runs and 206 RBIs before being traded to New York for three pitchers. Now, he aims to deliver a solid performance in the 2024 season before hitting free agency in the offseason.