ATLANTA (AP) — In a move that concludes a lengthy free agency, former Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, worth $1.5 million. This unexpected signing comes as the Braves look to bolster their outfield depth ahead of the 2025 MLB season.
Verdugo’s deal with the Braves means he has officially found a home for the upcoming season after being the focus of trade rumors and discussions during the offseason and spring training. His signing was officially announced on March 20, 2025, when the Braves took to social media to express their excitement about the addition. They posted, “The #Braves today signed OF Alex Verdugo to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million for the 2025 season, and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.”
The 28-year-old Verdugo came off a challenging season with the New York Yankees, where he hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs throughout the 2024 season. Previously, he had earned an impressive $8.7 million in salary from the Yankees, a dramatic contrast to the salary he's settled for in Atlanta.
Despite a solid start to his tenure in New York after a trade from the Boston Red Sox, Verdugo’s performance waned towards the end of the season, which may have affected his market value this offseason. He hit .266 over his first 69 games, showcasing his potential, yet finished the season with a career-worst .233 average and a declining on-base percentage of .291. Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees, touched on Verdugo's ability, stating, “He’s a big-league player. The Braves got a really good player for not a lot of money.”
Verdugo’s signing comes amid the Braves' ambitious efforts to solidify their roster for the 2025 season. Key offseason moves have included securing nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and catcher James McCann to minor league deals, and inking outfielder Jurickson Profar to a major $42 million, three-year contract. Profar, who is projected to be ready for the regular season, is expected to play a significant role in the Braves' outfield lineup, likely stepping in to fill the void left by Ronald Acuña Jr., who is rehabbing from a torn left ACL suffered last season.
Even though Verdugo has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, he signifies a valuable addition to the Braves’ organization, especially as they manage players’ injury recoveries. The decision to sign him can be viewed in the context of the Braves preparing for an expected influx of players once Acuña fully returns to health, projected to be around May. For Verdugo, this deal serves as an opportunity to prove his capabilities and potentially earn a better contract in the future.
Among his former teammates, Verdugo's extensive free agency stirred some concern, especially from Yankees star Aaron Judge, who expressed his surprise regarding the prolonged wait for a new contract. Judge remarked, “I am surprised. He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.” With these sentiments coming from a player of Judge's caliber, it highlights the respect Verdugo commands among his peers in the league.
Verdugo’s journey took an unexpected turn after what appeared to be a fruitful career trajectory. From establishing a .272 career batting average over his first seven seasons to struggling late last year, it remains to be seen how he will adapt in the Braves’ system. The success of players like Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz in the outfield will determine the role Verdugo plays in the coming season, but he has the potential to pivot back into the spotlight if he capitalizes on this new opportunity.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Braves manage Verdugo in light of Acuña's ongoing recovery. His current positioning in Triple-A serves as a tactical move as the team assesses their options and evaluates the depth of their roster. The Braves' strategic additions this offseason reflect a comprehensive approach to building a resilient team.
For Verdugo, the coming months present a crucial proving ground—a stage where he must demonstrate that he can reclaim his place as a key player. The excitement surrounding his signing with the Braves adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the MLB season, as fans anticipate how this revamped roster will perform as they chase their postseason ambitions. Verdugo’s story exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports player careers, where perseverance and second chances often define the journey.
