In Photos: Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo meets up with young fan Mostyn Hummel ahead of game in the Bronx

Though he previously made a career slugging against their team as a member of the Boston Red Sox, Alex Verdugo's intensity has quickly made him a fan favorite in the Bronx. Recently, the outfielder took some time to meet with a young superfan before a game at Yankee Stadium.

Ahead of the New York Yankees' game against the Atlanta Braves last weekend, Verdugo met up with Mostyn Hummel, a 13-year-old devout MLB and baseball fan. During the pre-game period at Yankee Stadium, Verdugo met up with Mostyn, and subsequently posted two pictures with Hummel on Instagram, alongside the caption:

"My guy right here @mostynvslgs"

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and hypotonia shortly after his birth, Mostyn suffers regular seizures, which has taken a toll on his parents, who act as round-the-clock caregivers. According to Mostyn's mother, Zoe, baseball provides an important escape for her son, given the severity of his condition.

A longtime member of the Red Sox, Alex Verdugo was traded to the Yankees last December. While Mostyn was happy to don a Yankees jersey while visiting Verdugo on his new team, the youngster is also a devout follower of the Red Sox and became acquainted with Verdugo during the latter's four seasons playing at Fenway.

Since becoming a member of the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo has quickly gotten himself in the good graces of fans. Known for his iconic "dog bark" celebration, the 28-year-old Mexican-American is now hitting an average of .245, with 9 home runs and 41 RBIs in his first season with his new team.

Alex Verdugo remains loyal to new fanbase despite slump

Since homering against his former team at Fenway Park two weeks ago, Verdugo has hit a mere .163. Although this cold snap is far from what the athlete wants, his experience has given him enough insight to take it in stride. After the Boston series, Alex Verdugo told Yahoo Sports:

“I’m just able to be myself. These guys played against me for years and they understand what I bring when I’m out there in-between the lines. Now they’re seeing it all the way around. I think they just really liked the energy I bring in. I’m just 100 percent me.”

The cool hitting snap notwithstanding, Verdugo's gesture towards Mostyn Hummel meant the world to the young fan, who likely cares more about the connection with his favorite player than the star's recent hitting statistics.