MLB News: Alex Verdugo, Braves Agree to Contract After Yankees Stint

The Atlanta Braves announced Thursday they agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo.

Atlanta optioned him to its Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting the deal allowed for one minor league demotion.

Verdugo made 149 appearances for the New York Yankees in 2024, finishing with 13 home runs, 61 RBI and a .233/.291/356 slash line. It was his worst offensive season since his rookie year in 2017. His .283 wOBA and 83 wRC+ were below well below his career averages, per FanGraphs.

Still, the lack of interest in Verdugo across MLB was a surprise. The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reported Tuesday he had yet to receive a single offer.

The eight-year veteran offers value as a defender. He has experience at all three outfield positions and has displayed a strong glove throughout his career.

Verdugo's home-and-road splits also point to how he might benefit from a change of scenery. He had a .628 OPS in 300 plate appearances at Yankee Stadium and a .665 OPS away from the Bronx. Not all left-handed batters see their numbers improve with the short porch in right field.

For the Braves, signing Verdugo doesn't come with much downside and he gives depth to an outfield with some question marks.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is coming back from a second ACL tear. Jurickson Profar's 2024 performance was a massive outlier, so some regression could be in store. Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz aren't much better than Verdugo.

With so many options at his disposal now, manager Brian Snitker should be able to find a combination that works until Acuña is healthy again.