Braves' Outfield in Chaos Alex Verdugo Signing Sparks Major Questions About Acuña Jr.'s Return - Athlon Sports

Braves’ Outfield in Chaos Alex Verdugo Signing Sparks Major Questions About Acuña Jr.’s Return

The Atlanta Braves have officially signed outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract for the 2025 season and have optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

While the move adds depth, it also raises questions about the state of Atlanta’s outfield-particularly regarding Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recovery timeline. Acuña, the reigning NL MVP, won’t be ready for Opening Day as he continues working his way back from ACL surgery.

The Braves have taken a cautious approach with his rehab, and most projections suggest he’ll return sometime in May. To address his absence, Atlanta signed veteran Jurickson Profar earlier this offseason, planning for him to take over right field until Acuña is cleared to return. Once Acuña is back, Profar is expected to shift to left field, where he’ll likely platoon with one of the team’s key offseason acquisitions, Jarred Kelenic.

Braves Add Outfield Depth in Late Free Agency Signing - Athlon Sports

Now, the addition of Verdugo further complicates the outfield rotation. While he provides plus defense, his offensive production has been inconsistent. Last season with the Yankees, he posted just a .647 OPS, struggling to generate consistent power or on-base numbers. However, he has flashed his potential in the past, including a strong 2021 season with the Red Sox, where he hit .289 with a .777 OPS. With Verdugo starting the season in Triple-A, his role remains uncertain. His signing suggests Atlanta is preparing for potential setbacks in Acuña’s recovery, but it also creates a logjam in an already crowded outfield. Whether Verdugo finds a meaningful role in the lineup remains to be seen, but for now, his presence raises more questions than answers.

Braves sign OF Alex Verdugo to one-year deal, option him to Triple-A Gwinnett

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves on Thursday signed free agent outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, given that he’s missed most of spring training and needs to get up to speed.

Verdugo, 28, reportedly received little-to-no interest in free agency this offseason after struggling with the New York Yankees in 2024. In 149 games with New York, Verdugo slashed .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs and just two stolen bases.

Braves Pitching Staff Faces Key Challenges as Spring Training Progresses, Young Arms Set to Step Up - Athlon Sports

Once a promising prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the veteran will provide Atlanta depth as they look to figure out what to do in the outfield until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns. Michael Harris II is slotted to be the everyday center fielder, Jurickson Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract in January and will be the regular in left, and Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz will platoon in right field for the time being.

The signing seems to be an alternative in case Kelenic, a fellow left-handed hitter, struggles to open the season. Kelenic is hitting .211 with two home runs in 38 plate appearances this spring.

Atlanta opens the season on March 27 in San Diego against the Padres.