Braves Sign Alex Verdugo to One-Year Deal
On Thursday, the Braves announced the signing of veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. With the start of the season approaching, he agreed to be optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to prepare for the season. Players are allowed to refuse an optional assignment after accumulating five years of MLB experience. Verdugo is represented by MVP Sports Group.
Recently, The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty reported that Verdugo had yet to receive a formal offer from a major league team during the free agency period. That situation changed quickly, as he will head to minor league camp and spend time in Gwinnett to compensate for missing most of spring training, but he remains a player the Braves may utilize in April.
The 28-year-old Verdugo, turning 29 in May, had a disappointing season last year but was a consistent performer for the Dodgers and Red Sox from 2019 to 2023. During those five years, he maintained a batting average of .283 with an OPS of .770 and showcased solid defensive skills in the outfield. While he hasn’t developed into the star expected of a former top-100 prospect, he has been a valuable contributor on competitive teams.
The 2024 season began with promise; after being traded to the Yankees last offseason, Verdugo hit well, posting a .275 average in his first 141 plate appearances. Unfortunately, he hit a significant slump afterward, finishing the year with a disappointing .221 batting average, one of the lowest among qualifying hitters.
Verdugo’s previous struggles likely affected his market during the offseason. Various teams, including the Pirates, Angels, and Astros, showed interest, but they either opted not to pursue him or chose other outfield options. Although the Pirates verbally offered around $8 million during initial discussions, a formal offer was never made. It’s unclear why, but it could be due to either party’s preferences or budget constraints, as the Pirates subsequently signed other players.
Verdugo’s acquisition adds depth to the Braves’ outfield, especially as Ronald Acuña Jr. is still recovering from an ACL tear, and Jarred Kelenic has been struggling. Injuries to offseason signing Jurickson Profar have also raised concerns, although he is expected to return for Opening Day.
The signing of Verdugo presents a challenge for Kelenic’s roster spot, as both are left-handed hitters with the potential to play center field, although Verdugo is better suited for corner outfield positions. Kelenic, a former high draft pick, is yet to find success in the majors after excelling in the minors. If he continues to struggle, the Braves may decide to send him to Gwinnett and utilize Verdugo in a fourth outfield role. This move represents a low-risk opportunity for the Braves to enhance their depth as they approach the season.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report Verdugo’s agreement with the Braves, which was confirmed by Brendan Kuty from The Athletic, detailing that this was a one-year major league contract.
