For a while, it looked like outfielder Alex Verdugo might be a free agent by Opening Day. However, the Atlanta Braves signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Though he remains a Major League Baseball player, he will likely start the season at Triple-A, even if he had the right to refuse the assignment as a league veteran.
Verdugo will play in the minors as he prepares for the season after missing most of spring training. The Braves could elevate him to the majors next month, depending on his progress. Last year’s slump with the New York Yankees could have contributed to his late signing. Before playing for the Yankees, Verdugo played for the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Though he started with a hot bat, he finished the season slashing .221/.270/.330. However, the Braves are willing to look past his struggles to provide depth on the outfield rotation. After all, Ronald Acuña is still recovering from his ACL tear, and new addition Jurickson Profar is also injured after a diving attempt in left field.
-Lance Fernandez