Braves under mounting pressure to get rid of ex-Yankees star

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Ronald Acuna Jr.’s anticipated comeback to the Atlanta Braves roster brings celebration and complications. The return of the 2023 National League MVP is also amplifying demands to release former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo.

Acuna is scheduled for activation Friday against San Diego after missing nearly a full year recovering from ACL reconstruction. His return immediately strengthens Atlanta’s outfield but creates a crowded roster situation. Braves supporters increasingly believe Verdugo should be eliminated from consideration.

Verdugo joined Atlanta on a bargain $1.5 million contract in late spring after an unremarkable free agency period. The former Yankees outfielder is facing mounting criticism following a dramatic performance decline. After an encouraging start provided hope for a career revival in Atlanta, his offensive production disappeared completely in May.

“Alex Verdugo will no longer be a member of my starting outfield tomorrow. God is good,” one Braves fan posted on X.

Another supporter added, “Have teams not realized that he is pure garbage? How does he keep getting chances like this?”

Early promise quickly evaporates

Atlanta’s investment in the ex-Yankees outfielder initially appeared successful. Following his Braves debut on April 18, Verdugo compiled a .322 average across his first 14 contests. He collected seven doubles, drove in seven runs, and posted a .825 OPS during that span. Atlanta went 10-4 in those games while recovering from an awful 0-7 season opening.

The momentum vanished as rapidly as it arrived.

Verdugo has managed just a .219/.288/.260 slash line since April 28 with a 56 wRC+ that ranks among baseball’s worst for qualified batters. His last 17 games show a .200 average with a .500 OPS. He hasn’t homered in 30 games, a drought extending back to his final Yankees appearances.

“Since his last four-hit game, Verdugo has slashed .219/.288/.260… the 13th-worst qualified hitter in baseball,” House That Hank Built’s Mitchell Barbee reported.

Braves fans and media members are demanding the organization “pull the plug” on the struggling outfielder. With playoff aspirations in focus, tolerance for unproductive performance is rapidly diminishing.

Limited expectations from Verdugo

Verdugo arrived in Atlanta carrying minimal expectations. His disappointing 2024 Yankees campaign yielded just a .233 average with a .647 OPS and 13 home runs. He remained unsigned well into spring training before accepting Atlanta’s minor-league invitation rather than continuing his holdout.

His Braves contract reflects his diminished market appeal. Verdugo dropped from a $9.2 million Yankees salary to a $1.5 million prove-it arrangement with Atlanta. While he displayed glimpses of past ability in April, May has revealed the same inconsistencies that haunted his Bronx tenure.

Verdugo’s recent struggles include a devastating 1-for-24 stretch and zero home runs since late last season. His defensive contributions haven’t compensated either. He’s been limited to left-field duties for Atlanta, reducing his utility as a bench option.

Acuna’s activation creates urgency

Acuña’s rehabilitation assignment has heightened the timeline pressure. The superstar has dominated minor-league competition, posting a .400 batting average and an astronomical 1.524 OPS across Rookie League and Triple-A levels.

Atlanta withheld him from Gwinnett’s Thursday lineup, strongly suggesting his activation approaches.

Once Acuña rejoins the active roster, Atlanta must create space on their 26-man roster. Verdugo’s declining production has positioned him as the most logical casualty.

Former Yankees star faces uncertain future

Verdugo’s Yankees tenure was characterized by frustration and unfulfilled potential. Acquired through the Mookie Betts trade with Boston, he never established consistent footing in New York. After an encouraging initial season, his offensive output steadily deteriorated. His 2024 finish included 0.1 WAR and sub-.650 OPS, precipitating his departure from the Bronx.

Current circumstances suggest a troubling pattern emerging.

Previously considered a valuable outfield commodity, Verdugo now confronts possible designation for assignment in consecutive seasons. Atlanta provided him a second chance, but that opportunity appears endangered.

Unless the Braves pursue an unexpected alternative — such as trading bullpen depth or optioning a different bench contributor — Verdugo’s fate seems sealed.

With Acuña returning healthy, motivated, and in peak form, Atlanta possesses little motivation to retain a player providing marginal contributions.

Verdugo’s next chapter uncertain

Should Atlanta release him, Verdugo would likely clear waivers and enter free agency again. At 29 years old, he retains sufficient time to secure another opportunity, potentially with an organization needing outfield depth or left-handed batting.

However, the road back to regular major league action continues to narrow.

The Braves are advancing confidently with their MVP returning, their offense clicking, and postseason aspirations within reach. Verdugo’s disappointing regression has made him expendable at the worst possible time.

His brief Atlanta experiment highlights how quickly fortunes can shift in professional baseball. What began as a potential redemption story may conclude as another chapter in his struggle for consistency.

The organization that offered him a lifeline now faces difficult roster mathematics. With Acuna healthy and ready to reclaim his starring role, sentiment cannot override performance considerations.

Verdugo’s major league future hangs in the balance as Atlanta prepares for their superstar’s triumphant return.

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