Braves Welcome Free-Agent Outfielder Alex Verdugo with Exciting One-Year, $1.5 Million Contract!

Outfielder Alex Verdugo has joined the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The announcement came on Thursday, marking a new chapter in his career.

Verdugo, now 28, played for the New York Yankees last season. While he was known for his solid defense, his bat struggled. He finished the season with a .233 batting average, 13 home runs, and 61 RBIs in 130 games. With an 83 OPS+, he was 17% less productive than the average big-league hitter. Over his eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), he has maintained a .272 batting average with a 101 OPS+.

Before his stint with the Yankees, he spent four years with the Boston Red Sox after three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season, he earned $8.7 million, but now he heads to Triple-A Gwinnett to prepare. This is due to his lack of spring training.

The Braves currently have Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz sharing time in right field until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns in May. By bringing Verdugo on board, the Braves add valuable depth to their outfield. In recent years, injuries have forced them to scramble for outfielders midseason, so this move aims to avoid that situation.

Verdugo’s journey to this deal wasn’t straightforward. Reports noted he hadn’t received any major-league offers as of earlier this week. However, there’s optimism among his former teammates. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe mentioned Verdugo’s hard work and dedication during their offseason training together in Arizona.

“He’s grinding,” Volpe said. “He’s getting everything he can without being part of a team. I think he’s definitely ready to go.”

Looking at Verdugo’s career, he was ranked No. 38 on The Athletic’s offseason Top 40 Free Agent Big Board. Remarkably, he was the last player on that list to land a new deal.

In today’s sports landscape, the focus is often on stats, but it’s the stories behind the numbers that resonate with fans. Verdugo’s resilience and willingness to keep pushing forward speak volumes. Fans are eager to see how he will contribute to his new team and carve out his path.

As Verdugo joins the Braves, it will be interesting to follow his progress and see how he fits into their plans. His experiences could offer valuable lessons for other players navigating the complexities of professional sports.



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Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, MLB