On Thursday, the Atlanta Braves made a noteworthy move by signing veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. With Opening Day just a week away, Verdugo will start his season in Triple-A Gwinnett to get back into game shape after missing a chunk of spring training. It’s important to note that players gain the right to refuse optional assignments after accruing five years of Major League service, but Verdugo gave the green light for this move.
Just a few days ago, reports indicated that Verdugo was still searching for a significant big league offer in free agency, highlighting how quickly circumstances can change in the league. Atlanta’s decision to bring him aboard offers an intriguing depth option as they navigate potential roster adjustments in April.
Verdugo, who turns 29 in May, encountered a rough patch last season — arguably the worst of his career. However, prior to that, he was a reliable performer with both the Dodgers and the Red Sox, boasting a combined slash line of .283/.338/.432 over five seasons, complemented by solid defensive play in the corner outfield positions. While he may not have blossomed into the star many anticipated when he was a second-round pick and a top-100 prospect, he undeniably played a key role on competitive teams.
The 2024 season began promisingly for Verdugo. After switching to the Yankees last offseason, he hit the ground running with a batting line of .275/.362/.450 over his first 141 plate appearances. However, after a strong start, he hit a wall and his performance dipped dramatically. From mid-May on, Verdugo’s numbers fell to a troubling .221/.270/.330, making him one of the least productive hitters in MLB among those with qualifying at-bats.
Those struggles likely impacted Verdugo’s market this offseason. He was linked to teams like the Pirates, Angels, and Astros, yet none made a formal offer. While the Pirates reportedly mentioned a verbal figure close to $8 million, they ultimately opted for different routes, signing players like Tommy Pham and Andrew Heaney shortly after gauging interest in Verdugo.
Now in Atlanta, Verdugo joins a team in need of some outfield reinforcement as Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to bounce back from last year’s ACL injury and Jarred Kelenic tries to find his footing. Adding to the mix, offseason acquisition Jurickson Profar has been dealing with a wrist issue that has kept him sidelined for nearly two weeks, although he’s expected to be ready for Opening Day.
If the Braves manage to get their full roster healthy, they’ll face some interesting decisions in the outfield. The optimal setup could see Profar in left, Michael Harris II in center, and Acuña in right, with Kelenic as a fourth outfielder and Bryan De La Cruz likely serving as depth in Triple-A.
Verdugo’s signing adds a layer of competition that could impact Kelenic’s role. Both players hit left-handed and can handle center field, although each is better suited for corner positions. Kelenic, a former top-10 draft pick known for his potential, has struggled to fulfill those expectations at the major league level after initially dominating in the minors.
The Braves brought Kelenic into the fold during the 2023-24 offseason through a series of trades that resulted in them taking on significant financial obligations. They committed to providing him regular playing time without platooning, but as spring progressed, his inability to hit lefties led to the re-signing of Adam Duvall for a potential platoon role. Last season, Kelenic finished with a disappointing slash of .231/.286/.393, and his performance in spring training hasn’t improved much, currently sitting at .200/.282/.457 in 39 plate appearances.
With a minor league option still at his disposal, it’s possible the Braves might look to refine Kelenic’s game in Gwinnett and utilize Verdugo as a reliable veteran presence in the fourth outfielder role. This low-cost depth move is a savvy play for the Braves, who are navigating a luxury tax threshold with around $231 million in obligations. Bringing in Verdugo is a strategic step that could provide the necessary outfield depth while they work to get everyone healthy and back into the mix as the season unfolds.
