ATLANTA, Ga. - The Atlanta Braves have made a strategic move to bolster their roster by signing outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The announcement came on March 20, 2025, and immediately after the signing, the Braves opted to assign him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, allowing Verdugo to get essential at-bats after a challenging spring training.
At just 28 years old, Verdugo represents a veteran presence for Atlanta’s outfield mix, but his recent baseball history showcases some struggles. In 2024, while playing for the New York Yankees, he managed a disappointing slash line of .233/.291/.356 over 149 games, hitting 13 home runs and 61 RBIs but posting an OPS+ of just 83, indicating below-average performance compared to league standards. The slump undoubtedly contributed to the lack of interest in his services during the offseason, with Verdugo reportedly not receiving any formal big league offers until signing with the Braves.
The Braves' decision to bring Verdugo into the fold stems from an urgent need for depth in their outfield. Following the recent injury troubles affecting key players, including the highly touted Ronald Acuña Jr., who is recovering from an ACL tear and is expected to return in May, Atlanta is focused on ensuring they have sufficient options available as they start the new season on March 27 against the San Diego Padres.
Michael Harris II is slated as the everyday center fielder, and Jurickson Profar, who signed a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract in January 2025, is expected to hold down left field. Meanwhile, the Braves plan to utilize a platoon system in right field with Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz. Kelenic's performance has also been less than stellar this spring, currently hitting .211 with two home runs in 38 plate appearances, making his future with the team uncertain.
With Acuña’s anticipated return and Kelenic’s struggles, Verdugo serves as both protection and a safety net for the Braves. “I don’t really know what to say or whether or not people want to talk about it or not, but he’s grinding,” shared Verdugo's former teammate Anthony Volpe. “He’s putting a lot of work in in Arizona. I think this is going to be a really good chapter in his story, and we all wish him the best.” This shows the resilience and commitment Verdugo is putting forth, aiming to rebound from a tough prior season.
Verdugo’s career statistics present an interesting contrast; over eight seasons in Major League Baseball, he holds a lifetime batting average of .272 with a 101 OPS+, which is respectable for a player whose defensive capabilities have consistently drawn praise. Known for his strong throwing arm and range, Verdugo ranked in the 94th percentile for arm strength in the MLB, a valuable asset as he moves forward in his career with the Braves.
However, the focus will be on his ability to regain consistency at the plate. Verdugo started the 2024 season strong; batting .275/.362/.450 in his initial 141 plate appearances before plummeting into a dramatic slump, leading ultimately to his lack of marketability this offseason. Signing with the Braves could potentially pave the way for a comeback, with the pressure being lessened as he begins in Triple-A.
Considering the Braves’ previous offensive woes, especially with multiple position players suffering from injuries last season, the depth provided by Verdugo seems necessitated. Five of the eight position players from Atlanta’s Opening-Day lineup in 2024 missed significant time due to injuries, highlighting the importance of having a reliable roster.
As Verdugo heads to Gwinnett, he carries the weight of expectations to transform a challenging narrative into a comeback story. The Braves’ front office clearly sees potential in him, and should he find his rhythm, Verdugo could soon be making significant contributions to a team looking to contend in 2025. Verdugo’s journey ahead will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike as they observe how he navigates this crucial juncture in his professional career.
