Alex Verdugo has officially departed from the New York Yankees, marking the end of his brief tenure with the team. The outfielder, who was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, has signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Despite the major-league contract, Verdugo has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he will begin his new chapter. This move comes after a challenging season for Verdugo, where his performance with the Yankees did not meet expectations, leading to questions about his future in the majors.
Verdugo, 29, will be playing for his third team in as many years. He originally began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers before being traded to the Red Sox as part of the Mookie Betts deal.
After four seasons with Boston, where he showed promise and solid production, he was traded to the Yankees. Unfortunately, his time in New York was underwhelming, and he struggled to find consistency, both offensively and defensively, which ultimately led to his departure.
Last season with the Yankees, Verdugo posted a .233 batting average, with 28 doubles, 13 home runs, and a .647 OPS. These numbers were among the worst of his career and reflected a significant downturn in his performance.
His struggles at the plate, along with a lack of impact in other areas, left him without many major-league offers this offseason. While Verdugo’s potential was still recognized, his poor 2024 campaign raised doubts about his ability to contribute at a high level in the majors.
Despite his difficulties, Verdugo was eventually given a chance by the Braves, who finished 89-73 last season and reached the playoffs. The Braves have expressed hope that Verdugo can rediscover his form and provide depth to their outfield.
Although the Braves optioned him to Triple-A, it remains to be seen if he will earn a spot back in the major leagues later this season. Verdugo’s journey with the Braves is a testament to his resilience and determination to regain his previous success.
Verdugo’s departure from the Yankees marks a significant point in his career. The Yankees had high hopes when they brought him in, but his struggles in 2024 made it clear that both sides needed a change.
As he moves on to the Braves, Verdugo will aim to turn the page and re-establish himself as a key contributor in the major leagues. His story is one of perseverance, and while his time in New York was short-lived, the 29-year-old still has the opportunity to carve out a successful future in Atlanta.
