As the regular season approaches, the Atlanta Braves are making strategic moves that could significantly impact their roster. They’ve added depth to their bullpen with the acquisitions of Hector Neris and Craig Kimbrel, but the real head-turner came with the signing of Alex Verdugo, a decision that raised a few eyebrows, especially since he was immediately assigned to the minors.
The bullpen reinforcements were a necessity, particularly with Joe Jimenez sidelined due to a knee injury and AJ Minter having departed in free agency. Bringing in Neris and Kimbrel makes sense for Atlanta; both pitchers have potential to excel in their roles and can provide valuable support without being thrust into high-pressure situations right away.
Now, shifting focus to Verdugo. His signing might seem puzzling at first glance, given that he’ll start the season in the minors. However, at a relatively low cost, it’s not a move that strains the team in any significant way. The Braves already have a full temporary outfield contingent with Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz stepping in, and they’re anticipating Ronald Acuña Jr. returning in May. But Atlanta might very well be thinking ahead, setting themselves up for bigger plays down the line, particularly as the trade deadline approaches.
Verdugo’s signing feels like a savvy combination of securing outfield depth and asset management. Kelenic is running out of opportunities to solidify his standing on the roster, especially with Acuña’s eventual return and the addition of Jurickson Profar. After a rocky 2024, where Kelenic’s OPS dipped to .733 and batting average hovered around .211, the stakes are high for him this season.
Though Verdugo isn’t a perfect player, he could serve a similar purpose as a left-handed outfield bat similar to Kelenic. If Kelenic can perform well, the Braves have the luxury of keeping Verdugo in the minors as a backup option. Conversely, should Kelenic struggle while Verdugo shows promise, Atlanta can seamlessly integrate Verdugo into their lineup.
This dual strategy also allows the Braves to potentially bolster their options as they approach the trade deadline. Ideally, both Kelenic and Verdugo play well enough to attract interest from other teams. Verdugo’s affordability and short-term commitment make him an attractive trade piece, while Kelenic’s team control through 2028 adds to his appeal. In a league where top bats can be hard to come by during the deadline, having both players gives Atlanta leverage to make strategic trades that could strengthen other areas of their roster.
Moreover, with injuries always a concern, particularly regarding Acuña’s past issues, the depth that Verdugo offers becomes invaluable. While he may not replicate the impact of a full-time starter if one goes down, he certainly presents a more reliable option compared to typical quad-A players or bargain bin signings. As the Braves maneuver through their offseason strategy, adding Verdugo increasingly looks like a clever and opportunistic decision.
