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Alex Verdugo, whose lack of interest from teams during the offseason had many in the baseball world perplexed, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves on March 20th.
After ramping up his rehab, Verdugo was called up to the majors on April 17 with the Braves intending to clear a regular role for him on the team.
With Jarred Kelenic, Bryan de la Cruz, Stuart Fairchild and Eli White struggling in the wake of Jurickson Profar's suspension announcement, Verdugo had a clear path to earn an everyday spot on the roster.
With Sunday's performance, Verdugo has clearly earned it.
Atlanta Braves left fielder Alex Verdugo (8) takes a lead from first base against the Minnesota Twins on April 19, 2025 in Atlanta.Brett Davis/Imagn Images
Despite the Braves failing to sweep the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 6-4 on Sunday, Verdugo went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a walk.
After Sunday's game, Verdugo has a .333/.368/.472 slash line with an .841 OPS and 134 wRC+ in his first eight games as a Brave. He has clearly found himself in the leadoff spot with his new club, away from the bright lights of the Bronx.
Verdugo made headlines over the offseason when a March 18th report surfaced that claimed Verdugo hadn't received a single major-league offer to that point.
While Verdugo did struggle with the Yankees in 2024, his premier arm strength and solid fielding repertoire did warrant a team at least taking a flier on him as a depth piece.
So far, Verdugo's 9.1% strikeout rate, 10.2% whiff rate and .326 expected batting average in 2025 are all improvements from his 15% strikeout rate, 15.5% whiff rate and .250 expected batting average in 2024.
Verdugo has clearly been the spark in a struggling Braves lineup.
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After ramping up his rehab, Verdugo was called up to the majors on April 17 with the Braves intending to clear a regular role for him on the team.
With Jarred Kelenic, Bryan de la Cruz, Stuart Fairchild and Eli White struggling in the wake of Jurickson Profar's suspension announcement, Verdugo had a clear path to earn an everyday spot on the roster.
With Sunday's performance, Verdugo has clearly earned it.
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Atlanta Braves left fielder Alex Verdugo (8) takes a lead from first base against the Minnesota Twins on April 19, 2025 in Atlanta.Brett Davis/Imagn Images
Despite the Braves failing to sweep the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 6-4 on Sunday, Verdugo went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a walk.
After Sunday's game, Verdugo has a .333/.368/.472 slash line with an .841 OPS and 134 wRC+ in his first eight games as a Brave. He has clearly found himself in the leadoff spot with his new club, away from the bright lights of the Bronx.
Verdugo made headlines over the offseason when a March 18th report surfaced that claimed Verdugo hadn't received a single major-league offer to that point.
While Verdugo did struggle with the Yankees in 2024, his premier arm strength and solid fielding repertoire did warrant a team at least taking a flier on him as a depth piece.
So far, Verdugo's 9.1% strikeout rate, 10.2% whiff rate and .326 expected batting average in 2025 are all improvements from his 15% strikeout rate, 15.5% whiff rate and .250 expected batting average in 2024.
Verdugo has clearly been the spark in a struggling Braves lineup.
Related: Braves Make Alex Verdugo Announcement After Spencer Strider News
Related: Yankee Fans Are All Laughing At Major Alex Verdugo Announcement
Related: Alex Verdugo Free Agency Update Leaves Yankees Stunned
Related: Yankee Fans Are All Laughing At Major Alex Verdugo Announcement
Related: Alex Verdugo Free Agency Update Leaves Yankees Stunned
Continue reading...
