Braves dump Alex Verdugo for another former Yankees player

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ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves severed ties with Alex Verdugo on Wednesday, designating the struggling outfielder for assignment after a disappointing half-season performance that highlighted his continued decline since leaving Boston.

The 29-year-old former New York Yankees left fielder was removed from Atlanta’s roster to clear space for Jurickson Profar‘s return from an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. The move represents another setback for Verdugo, whose career trajectory has spiraled downward since his productive Red Sox years.

Verdugo inked a modest one-year contract worth $1.5 million in March but began the campaign in Triple-A before receiving his promotion in mid-April. His early success proved fleeting despite an encouraging start that saw him post a .341/.396/.455 slash line through 48 plate appearances.

The promising beginning quickly deteriorated. Verdugo’s final numbers with Atlanta painted a grim picture: a .239 batting average, a .296 on-base percentage, and a .289 slugging percentage across 213 plate appearances. Most telling was his complete absence of power, failing to launch a single home run during his time with the Braves.

Verdugo’s Yankees chapter far from expectations

Verdugo’s Atlanta struggles followed an equally frustrating 2024 season in pinstripes, where he managed just .233/.291/.356 numbers over 621 plate appearances with 13 home runs. Despite solid defensive work in left field, his offensive contributions rarely materialized when needed.

During the Yankees’ World Series appearance against the Dodgers, Verdugo remained optimistic about his future in the Bronx despite his underwhelming performance.

“I know it wasn’t my best personal year on offense,” Verdugo said before Game 5. “I think there would be [the possibility] that maybe one day we can come back… I would like to come back and just show the type of player that I really am.”

Those hopes vanished quickly as New York pursued aggressive roster changes. The Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger to anchor center field while promoting prospect Jasson Dominguez to handle left field duties.

Limited options ahead

Verdugo now faces an uncertain future at age 29, with his market value diminished by consecutive poor seasons. His power shortage and declining plate discipline have raised red flags throughout baseball front offices, making his comeback prospects increasingly doubtful.

While defensive skills remain adequate, his offensive limitations have become problematic in an era where teams demand production from corner outfielders. His recent struggles in both the Yankees and the Braves have further damaged his reputation among evaluators.

Unless a franchise believes in his potential for revival based on past success and veteran leadership qualities, Verdugo may find himself accepting minor league opportunities or facing an extended search for his next opportunity.

The former Red Sox standout’s fall from grace continues, with few clear paths back to regular major league employment on the horizon.

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