
Braves Shock Fans: Alex Verdugo Designated for Assignment!
2025-07-02
Author: Ting
Major Moves in Atlanta: Verdugo Out, Profar In
In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Braves have officially designated outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. This bold move comes as fellow outfielder Jurickson Profar is set to return from an 80-game PED suspension, making room for him on the roster.
Verdugo's Rollercoaster Journey with the Braves
Verdugo, 29, initially signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Atlanta during the offseason. He started as a backup behind Jarred Kelenic but soon found himself in the spotlight as Kelenic struggled immensely at the big league level and was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett. Verdugo made a splash, posting an impressive .322 batting average in his first 65 plate appearances. However, his performance has since taken a nosedive, plummeting to a dismal .203 average with virtually no power over the past few months.
From Rising Star to Rising Concerns
This season's inconsistency echoes Verdugo's tumultuous tenure with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he had a similarly hot start that quickly turned cold. Across the last two seasons, he's accumulated 834 plate appearances, managing an underwhelming .234/.292/.339 line—hardly reflective of his previous prowess. From 2019 to 2023, Verdugo shone brightly, boasting a .283 average and solid contributions as a regular outfielder for both the Dodgers and Red Sox.
Defensive Decline: A Once Stellar Skill Set Falters
Even in the defensive department, Verdugo's once-stellar grades have dipped recently. While he still holds a slightly positive Defensive Runs Saved rating this season, it pales in comparison to his past performances. Statcast has also noted a drop in his defensive capabilities, marking him as a mediocre defender this year—an unfortunate fall from the heights of his previous success.
What's Next for Verdugo?
The Braves now face a decision on Verdugo's future; they can either trade him or place him on waivers within the next five days. However, considering his contract and recent performance, the most likely outcome is a release. Should he become available, any interested team could sign him for a fraction of his salary, which Atlanta would still be primarily responsible for. With the clock ticking, fans will be watching closely to see what happens next for the former promising outfielder.