Alex Verdugo Could Soon Make Braves Debut as Atlanta Searches for Offensive Spark
Former Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo may be on the verge of making his return to the majors—at least if recent signs are any indication. Just weeks after inking a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves, Verdugo could be called up to the big-league roster in the coming days. With the Braves stumbling to a 4–11 start and in dire need of a productive outfield bat, Verdugo’s promotion seems increasingly likely.
He left Sunday’s game early at Triple-A Gwinnett, further fueling speculation. “All signs point to Verdugo joining the Braves this week,” reported Dave O’Brien of The Athletic, suggesting the call-up could come either during Atlanta’s road series in Toronto or once they return home to face the Twins on Friday.
So far, Verdugo is 4-for-22 with two home runs at Gwinnett—not eye-popping numbers, but the Braves are in a position where any offensive help is welcome. Despite a disappointing 2023 campaign with the Yankees, where he batted .233 with 13 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a .647 OPS, Verdugo still offers upside. His .328 career on-base percentage remains above league average, and his ability to play all three outfield spots makes him a flexible option.
Now 28 and approaching his 29th birthday, Verdugo is seen by some as a potential buy-low, rebound candidate. His struggles in the second half of last season, where he hit just .228 with a .606 OPS, still linger, and many Yankees fans weren’t sorry to see him go. However, if the Braves can tap into his previous flashes of talent, Verdugo might prove to be a valuable addition. If not, his stay in Atlanta may be brief.
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