When the dust settled from last offseason, the biggest move the Atlanta Braves had made was to sign Jurickson Profar. Profar was coming off a very strong 2024 season and signing him seemingly address their critical need in the outfield. However, the Braves later hedged their bets a bit when they went out and surprisingly signed Alex Verdugo.
Given his name recognition, few thought that Verdugo would linger on the free agent market as long as he did. While last season was a down year at the plate for him, Verdugo still graded out as a plus defender in the outfield and has a pretty decent track record overall of hitting in the big leagues. In short, Atlanta adding him on the minor league deal was not something many had on their offseason bingo cards.
Now, with Profar suspended for PEDs and most of the Braves' outfield struggling, signing Verdugo may prove to be THE move that could begin to turn their 2025 season around.
Alex Verdugo could join Braves as soon as Monday with outfield in shambles
Over the weekend, there were increasing whispers that Verdugo could get an opportunity in the big leagues sooner rather than later. For everyone that has been watching Bryan De La Cruz, Jarred Kelenic, and co. so far this season, this makes loads of sense. Braves insider Mark Bowman even hinted on Monday that Verdugo could be joining the team from the start of their series with the Blue Jays.
I’m not saying Verdugo is going to be the answer, but he definitely won’t be any worse than Kelenic. That change could come as early as today. Acuña should be back within the next 2-3 weeks. https://t.co/gckfBcRgHD
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 14, 2025
While expecting Verdugo to play like an All-Star may be asking too much, the Braves don't really need him to be. If he can be a .270 hitter with some power and good defense, that would represent a massive upgrade over what the Braves have been getting from most of their outfield. If he is just that guy, a lot of these rallies that have continuously died to start the season would probably have kept going.
Figuring out what do with guys like Kelenic and De La Cruz is a problem for another day. The Braves need offensive help now and Verdugo's hot start in the minors gives hope he could provide such a boost. If he can just help hold things down until both Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. return, that would represent a huge step towards the Braves finally getting back on track.