Breaking: Alex Verdugo Signs With World Series Contender

After a confusing offseason for Alex Verdugo, in which the former New York Yankee and Boston Red Sox outfielder was unable to find even a single suitor for his services, he has finally found a taker, as Verdugo has landed with the Atlanta Braves.

Alex Verdugo is signing a $1.5M deal with the Braves, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/fgPCRlywYU
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 20, 2025

The deal is for one year, at $1.5M.

Earlier this week, we learned from Brendan Kuty in The Athletic that Verdugo had received no offers in free agency from a single major league team, after his one year in The Bronx. Aaron Judge, even after watching Verdugo next to him in the Yankees outfield all season slump to a .233 average and .647 OPS, found that news hard to believe.

“I am surprised,” reigning MVP Aaron Judge told the outlet. “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

Now, the Braves will get to see how much value and versatility Verdugo can bring to their outfield, which needed a bit more depth. Ronald Acuna Jr. isn't slated to return from his ACL tear for about a month or more, Jurickson Profar is dealing with a bit of an injury in spring training, and Jarred Kelenic is a platoon bat at best.

Alex Verdugo will start the season in the minor leagues, after signing with the Braves. He'll get his reps there, and they'll see how he progresses.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 20, 2025

However, after not being in a spring camp, Verdugo will start off in the minor leagues, and work his way up until he's ready to get his shot with the Braves.

Verdugo, 28, has a lifetime .272 average with a .742 OPS and a 101 OPS+, which really makes him an average major league hitter. He's been durable, playing over 142 games in each of the last four seasons, while pretty consistently hitting around 13 homers with about 60 RBIs.