A few months ago, outfielder Alex Verdugo was the left fielder for the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. He was also a finalist for the American League Gold Glove. Yet, according to the New York Post, he spent five months without receiving an offer from an MLB team.
The story went viral on social media, and in less than 24 hours, his situation changed. Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that Verdugo signed a 1.5 million dollars deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Alex Verdugo hasn’t played since last October in the World Series. He will need a few weeks to build up and be ready for the season. MLB.com reported that he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Jon Heyman clarified that the deal was a Major League contract, but Verdugo agreed to a demotion to prepare for the season.
The 28-year-old will add depth to the Atlanta Braves’ outfield. Brian Snitker already has plenty of options with new acquisitions Tommy Pham and Jurickson Profar, alongside Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic.
In 2024, the Braves dealt with numerous injuries, and it seems they are looking to avoid a repeat this season. In fact, Acuña Jr. won’t be available until sometime in May as he recovers from a second ACL surgery.
Snitker has already explained that he will use Acuña Jr., Harris II, and Kelenic in the outfield, with De La Cruz platooning with Kelenic in right field.
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The 2024 season was a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves, despite clinching a spot in the Wild Card Series. At least five of their eight position players missed at least two months due to injuries. Additionally, Jarred Kelenic had a disappointing first season with the team, hitting .234 with a .679 OPS and a 0.4 WAR
