Braves sign OF Alex Verdugo to one-year deal, option him to Triple-A Gwinnett
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves on Thursday signed free agent outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, given that he’s missed most of spring training and needs to get up to speed.
Verdugo, 28, reportedly received little-to-no interest in free agency this offseason after struggling with the New York Yankees in 2024. In 149 games with New York, Verdugo slashed .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs and just two stolen bases.
Once a promising prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the veteran will provide Atlanta depth as they look to figure out what to do in the outfield until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns. Michael Harris II is slotted to be the everyday center fielder, Jurickson Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract in January and will be the regular in left, and Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz will platoon in right field for the time being.
The signing seems to be an alternative in case Kelenic, a fellow left-handed hitter, struggles to open the season. Kelenic is hitting .211 with two home runs in 38 plate appearances this spring.
Atlanta opens the season on March 27 in San Diego against the Padres.
