A pair of ex-New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo, and Caleb Durbin, have resurfaced on the Major League Baseball landscape.
Alex Verdugo and Caleb Durbin have different career trajectories and teams. However, they have two things in common under vastly different circumstances. Two are ex-Yankees stars and have secured fresh opportunities to redefine their careers after departing from the Bronx organization.
As Verdugo steps into a depleted Atlanta Braves outfield and Durbin prepares for his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers, their stories highlight baseball’s unpredictable nature, where ability, circumstance, and opportunity often intersect in unexpected ways.
Verdugo navigates winding path from Bronx to Atlanta
For Alex Verdugo, the road back to major league relevance has featured several detours.
Originally the key acquisition in the high-profile Mookie Betts trade that moved him from Los Angeles to Boston in 2020, Verdugo later became part of a rare Yankees-Red Sox transaction in December 2023. His tenure in New York proved disappointing, however. Despite regular playing time, the outfielder recorded a career-worst .647 OPS during the 2024 campaign, making minimal offensive impact as the Yankees pursued an American League championship.
The 28-year-old entered the free agent market with tepid interest, reportedly turning down an unconfirmed $8 million offer from Pittsburgh. Interest remained scarce throughout most of the offseason. Verdugo languished unsigned until just before spring training concluded, when the Braves—hampered by outfield injuries and suspensions—extended a $1.5 million contract with an initial minor league assignment.
Verdugo accepted these terms. Now, barely four weeks later, he’s earned his way back to the majors.
Desperate Braves open the door for ex-Yankees LF
The Braves’ early-season struggles created the perfect scenario for Verdugo’s return.
After beginning 2025 with seven consecutive defeats, Atlanta has failed to establish consistency. Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. continues rehabilitation following knee surgery. Michael Harris II has struggled dramatically (.507 OPS), while offseason acquisition Jarred Kelenic is batting a concerning .146 with just a .244 slugging percentage. Compounding these issues, veteran Jurickson Profar received an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing substances.
Desperately seeking outfield stability, the Braves turned to ex-Yankees OF Verdugo, who now finds himself positioned for a significant role in Atlanta’s lineup.
Though his offensive production declined last season, Verdugo’s defensive skills remained elite. He ranked second among all MLB left fielders in Defensive Runs Saved (8), trailing only Cleveland’s Steven Kwan. As a left-handed hitter, he also provides needed balance within Atlanta’s predominantly right-handed batting order.
The situation offers limited security, however. Without minor league options remaining, any prolonged slump could result in ex-Yankees OF Verdugo facing waivers if Atlanta opts to make another change.
Durbin’s big league debut beckons in Milwaukee
While Verdugo seeks career revival, Caleb Durbin stands at the threshold of his major league story.
The 25-year-old infielder, acquired from New York during the December transaction that sent closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, is reportedly scheduled for promotion by the Milwaukee Brewers. This move follows the team’s decision to option struggling third baseman Oliver Dunn to Triple-A Nashville.
Milwaukee’s decision stems from necessity. Brewers third basemen have collectively produced a .429 OPS—ranking 29th among 30 MLB teams—and an MLB-worst .188 on-base percentage. Dunn, who accumulated most of these statistics, managed just a .167/.205/.222 batting line.
Ex-Yankees rookie Durbin, meanwhile, has presented a compelling case for promotion. Through 13 games with Triple-A Nashville, he’s compiled a .278/.316/.482 slash line with three home runs and five stolen bases. Known for exceptional speed and contact ability, Durbin has accumulated 113 stolen bases across 294 minor league appearances with a career .782 OPS.
His remarkable performance in the 2024 Arizona Fall League—where he established a record with 29 stolen bases—elevated his prospect status shortly before Milwaukee acquired him alongside pitcher Nestor Cortes in the winter exchange with New York.
Durbin is expected to make his major league debut this weekend when Milwaukee hosts Oakland at American Family Field.
Parallel journeys, shared opportunity
Though Verdugo and Durbin occupy different career stages—one a former top prospect seeking rejuvenation, the other an emerging talent making his first major league appearance—both exemplify baseball’s inherently transient and cyclical nature.
For Verdugo, Atlanta potentially represents his final opportunity to reestablish himself as an everyday contributor. For Durbin, Milwaukee offers the chance to establish himself with a team needing infield production and energy.
Both players connected to the Yankees organization through different circumstances. Verdugo’s New York tenure proved brief and underwhelming. Durbin never appeared in pinstripes but figured prominently in a significant trade reflecting New York’s championship aspirations for 2025.
Now, each faces a new challenge—one to reclaim relevance, the other to create his initial impression.
The Braves begin a three-game homestand against Minnesota on Friday when Verdugo will likely make his Atlanta debut. Meanwhile, Durbin could appear in Milwaukee’s lineup as soon as Friday’s series opener against Oakland.
In a sport where opportunities emerge and vanish with remarkable speed, these former Yankees are capitalizing on their newfound chances.
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