Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo has finally gotten the call up to the big leagues for his 2025 debut with the Atlanta Braves.
Reports surfaced weeks before Opening Day that Verdugo hadn't received any major league offers to play in 2025 after a down season with the New York Yankees. The Braves had a rather unimpressive offseason with few additions, and capitalized when they saw an opportunity to sign an outfielder for cheap.
Verdugo signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Atlanta the week before Opening Day, and he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to warm up before his Braves debut. He hasn't fared particularly well at the plate so far, with a .207/.303/.448 slash line in nine games. He's clubbed two homers and a double, though.
Atlanta's outfield has been severely underwhelming in the offense department this season, and an injury to designated hitter Marcel Ozuna and a suspension for Jurickson Profar haven't helped matters. The Braves' bats need a boost, and in their situation, Verdugo will have to do.
Former Red Sox, Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo called up to Braves after delayed signing
The #Braves today recalled OF Alex Verdugo to Atlanta and optioned OF Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 17, 2025
Verdugo struggled so mightily to sign a free agent contract after a rough walk year with the Yankees. He batted .233/.291/.356, a career-low over a full season's work, with 28 doubles, a triple and 13 homers over 149 games. He was nominated for a Gold Glove in left field, but may have been adversely affected by recency bias since he fanned for the final out of the 2024 World Series.
The 28-year-old also didn't leave the Red Sox on the best note. He was benched on a few occasions by Alex Cora due to a lack of hustle and tardiness, which may have been some of the key motivators for the Sox to trade him to New York.
Despite the rare troubles, Verdugo was a solid contributor in Boston. He batted .281/.338/.424 with a .761 OPS in four seasons of work with the Red Sox and earned MVP votes in 2020. Being the prize of the disastrous Mookie Betts trade, he should've been with the Red Sox a lot longer (had things worked out), but he'll get a chance to kick-start his career again with the Braves.