Can Alex Verdugo Reignite His Career with the Braves, or Is He Just a Fading Star?
Once heralded as a rising star, Alex Verdugo now finds himself at a career crossroads. After an underwhelming stint with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs, the Yankees opted not to retain him. Now, he has landed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves—an opportunity that could either revive his career or signal his decline.
Why Did the Yankees Move On?
Verdugo’s offensive production has been steadily declining since his strong 2020 and 2021 campaigns with the Boston Red Sox. His numbers in 2023 (.264, 13 HR, 54 RBI) were already concerning, but his struggles in 2024 made him expendable for the Yankees, who decided to move forward with younger, more consistent options.
The Braves’ Calculated Gamble
The Braves, a team loaded with talent and serious World Series aspirations, took a chance on Verdugo, but with a twist—he has been optioned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers. The contract includes a clause allowing for one demotion, which means the Braves see him as a depth piece rather than a guaranteed major leaguer.
Aaron Boone on Alex Verdugo: “He’s a big league player – and a good one. The Braves got a really good player for not a lot of money.” https://t.co/6hlE7yMK7d
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) March 20, 2025
Verdugo’s presence could be valuable as insurance, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. recovering from an ACL injury and Jarred Kelenic struggling. If Kelenic falters, Verdugo could step in as a reliable fourth outfielder. However, the fact that no other team showed strong interest in him speaks volumes about how much his stock has fallen.
What’s Next for Verdugo?
At 28, Verdugo still has time to turn things around. A strong showing in Triple-A or an injury to an Atlanta starter could get him back in the majors. However, if he struggles in the minors, his path back to an MLB starting role becomes even murkier.
The Braves’ low-risk deal gives them flexibility, but for Verdugo, this season could be his last shot at proving he still belongs in the big leagues. Will he rise to the challenge, or is he destined to fade away? Let the debate begin.