Alex Verdugo, whose quiet offseason surprised many around baseball, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Atlanta Braves on March 20. After working through a rehab program, Verdugo was promoted to the majors on April 17, with the Braves aiming to give him a regular role. With outfielders Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, Stuart Fairchild, and Eli White all struggling following Jurickson Profar’s suspension, Verdugo had a clear opportunity — and he’s taken full advantage.
Despite the Braves falling short of a sweep against the surging Arizona Diamondbacks with a 6-4 loss on Sunday, Verdugo shined, going 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and a walk. Through his first eight games in Atlanta, Verdugo is slashing .333/.368/.472 with an .841 OPS and a 134 wRC+. He’s quickly cemented himself as a fixture in the leadoff spot, thriving away from the intense spotlight he faced with the Yankees.
Earlier in the offseason, a March 18 report revealed Verdugo hadn’t received a single MLB offer up to that point. Though he struggled during the 2024 season in New York, his strong throwing arm and reliable defense seemed to merit at least a depth role somewhere. Now with Atlanta, Verdugo has significantly improved, posting a 9.1% strikeout rate, 10.2% whiff rate, and a .326 expected batting average — all major steps forward compared to his 2024 marks of a 15% strikeout rate, 15.5% whiff rate, and .250 expected batting average.
Verdugo has quickly become a much-needed spark in an otherwise inconsistent Braves lineup.
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