April 17, 2025
The Atlanta Braves have recalled outfielder
Alex Verdugo from Triple-A Gwinnett. In a corresponding move, the Braves have optioned outfielder
Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A. The Braves inked Verdugo to a minor-league contract earlier in the spring, and he will now make his Atlanta debut. During the first nine games of the Triple-A regular season, Verdugo held a .207/.303/.448 slash line with two long balls. Verdugo had a disappointing campaign in the Bronx last season as he held a .233/.291/.356 line with 13 long balls, which was a stark decline from the .264/.323/.431 line he held during the 2023 campaign. De La Cruz tallied just one extra-base hit during the first 16 games of the MLB season and will look to turn the corner at Triple-A. Verdugo should see ample opportunities in the starting nine with
Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) still sidelined.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Braves
April 14, 2025
The Athletic's David O'Brien writes that all signs point to outfielder
Alex Verdugo joining the Atlanta Braves this week after signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the team on March 20. Verdugo hit a three-run homer at Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday and was pulled two innings later, fueling speculation that he'll join the team for their series opener in Toronto against the Blue Jays on Monday. A team official said that the 28-year-old was scheduled for a light day on Sunday, though, after he played all 14 innings of a doubleheader on Saturday. If he doesn't join the Braves in Toronto, Verdugo will likely be with them against the Minnesota Twins this weekend. After missing most of spring training, Verdugo has hit .182 (4-for-22) with a double, two homers, four RBI and a .700 OPS with Gwinnett. When he joins Atlanta, he could see regular playing time with both
Jarred Kelenic and
Bryan De La Cruz struggling.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - David O'Brien
March 20, 2025
The Atlanta Braves have signed outfielder
Alex Verdugo to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Verdugo has been linked to several suitors throughout camp. Fantasy managers should expect Verdugo to have a depth role in the Atlanta outfield. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a .233/.291/.356 slash line across 149 contests with the New York Yankees. He showed a strong eye at the plate, holding a 15.0 percent strikeout rate, but struggled to generate offense with his bat as he posted a modest .302 xwOBA. In addition, Verdugo was an elite defender, as he placed in the 94th percentile in arm strength and 96th percentile in arm value. Fantasy managers should expect Verdugo to compete for starting opportunities in right field while
Ronald Acuna Jr.'s (knee) remains sidelined. He will likely operate on the strong side of a platoon in right field alongside
Bryan De La Cruz. Verdugo will likely limit the opportunities for
Jarred Kelenic, who is also a left-handed bat who posted a low .231 AVG last season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
March 8, 2025
Free-agent outfielder
Alex Verdugo is biding his time on the free-agent market, but time is running out for him to sign with a new team before Opening Day at the end of March. The 28-year-old could be holding out for a better offer that he feels matches his value, but it's also possible that teams just aren't that interested in him after a disappointing season in 2024 with the New York Yankees. Once a former top prospect, Verdugo had a career-worst 83 OPS+ in the Bronx after being acquired in a trade from the division-rival Boston Red Sox. He has not lived up to his prospect hype and slashed .233/.291/.356 with a career-low .647 OPS, 13 home runs and 61 RBI last year. Despite the poor season, the Yankees continued to trot him out there. He went 10-for-48 (.208) in 14 playoff games last fall. A potential reunion went out the window when the Yankees signed
Cody Bellinger in free agency.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Matt Ehalt
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