After a dismal start to the 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves have found a glimmer of hope with the signing of outfielder Alex Verdugo. Initially brought in as minor league depth, Verdugo stepped up following Jurickson Profar's suspension, helping the Braves rebound from a 5-13 record to a 13-6 run. His impressive performance includes a .322 batting average and an .825 OPS, solidifying him in the lead-off spot. Verdugo’s stability comes at a crucial time as the team awaits Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return from injury, proving to be the spark the Braves desperately needed.
The Braves' record improved dramatically after Verdugo's call-up, shifting from a concerning 5-13 to a more respectable 13-6. His current slash line stands at .322/.385/.441 with an .825 OPS across 14 games, showcasing his ability to produce consistently at the plate. As the team navigates injuries and suspensions, Verdugo's contributions have been pivotal, especially with Acuña still sidelined.
Verdugo's emergence as a reliable lead-off hitter could prove transformative for a team grappling with inconsistency. His timely contribution highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, setting a positive tone as the Braves strive for success in the upcoming months.
On May 9, 2025, the lineups were announced for the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Notably, Alex Verdugo has received the day off, marking a rare break after starting the previous seven games. In his absence, Stuart Fairchild is making a rare start, while Eli White has shifted over to left field. Ozzie Albies, who has struggled with an 84 wRC+ and an on-base percentage below .300, will lead off for the Braves.
This lineup shuffle comes as the Braves look to maintain their momentum against the Pirates. The Pirates' top four hitters remain unchanged from their last game, but they have introduced Matt Gorski and Jared Triolo into their lineup, replacing Enmanuel Valdez and Liover Peguero. The game is set to start at 6:40 p.m. ET, and fans are eager to see how the Braves will perform without their recent star.
The 2025 season didn’t begin the way the Atlanta Braves had hoped. They opened with an 0-7 West Coast skid, the pitching staff was in disarray, and the offense couldn’t hit. To compound the issue, Jurickson Profar, their biggest offseason signing, was suspended for performance-enhancing drugs just four games into the season. This left the Braves in a precarious position as they faced a challenging start.
However, hope emerged when the Braves signed Alex Verdugo on March 20, 2025, to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Initially, Verdugo agreed to start the year in the minors due to a crowded outfield depth chart. In nine games with the Gwinnett Stripers, he posted a .207/.303/.448 slash line with a .751 OPS, which did not indicate the breakout performance that would soon follow.
Verdugo's opportunity came when Profar's suspension opened a spot in the lineup. He quickly made his mark, rattling off a three-game hitting streak, including a home run, leading to his promotion to the big leagues. Manager Brian Snitker's decision to slot Verdugo into the lead-off position was initially seen as a gamble, but it has paid off significantly. Since his call-up, the Braves have surged, boasting a 13-6 record.
Over his first 14 games, Verdugo has slashed an impressive .322/.385/.441 with an .825 OPS. Despite a recent slump where he went 0-for-14, Snitker continues to trust him as the lead-off man. Verdugo has already matched his career high with two four-hit games, a feat he achieved just eight games into his Braves career. This level of performance is especially noteworthy considering he did not notch a single four-hit game all of last season with the Yankees.
Verdugo's underlying numbers are even more encouraging. He sports a .280 expected batting average (xBA), a 19.0% chase rate, just a 9.7% whiff rate, and an elite 7.6% strikeout rate. At just 28 years old, Verdugo is determined to prove that his disappointing 2024 season was merely an anomaly. In that year, he hit just .233 with a sub-.650 OPS, both career lows.
As the Braves continue to battle injuries and inconsistency, Verdugo's presence has brought stability to the lineup. Other outfield candidates have struggled significantly: Profar had a .450 OPS before his suspension, Jarred Kelenic was sent to Triple-A after posting a .531 OPS, and Bryan De La Cruz was demoted and subsequently designated for assignment with a .453 OPS. Even Ozzie Albies, who is now leading off, has had a rough start, slashing just .229/.245/.354 with a .599 OPS. The only bright spot in the outfield has been Eli White, who boasts an .888 OPS.
With Acuña's return on the horizon, the Braves face an interesting decision regarding Verdugo's role. While Acuña is expected to reclaim the lead-off spot, Verdugo's strong showing could lead to adjustments in the lineup that enhance the team's offensive strategy. The Braves hope that Verdugo’s early-season success is a sign of what’s to come, as they look to build on their recent momentum.
In conclusion, Alex Verdugo’s emergence as a key player for the Atlanta Braves could not have come at a better time. As the team navigates the challenges of injuries and suspensions, Verdugo has provided the stability and production they desperately needed. His performance not only revitalizes the lineup but also offers a promising glimpse into the future as the Braves aim for success in the 2025 season.
