In a move that perfectly encapsulates the chaos of baseball roster decisions, the Atlanta Braves secured outfielder Alex Verdugo at the eleventh hour—only to follow it up with a head-scratching maneuver that left fans and analysts alike wondering if they had just witnessed genius or madness.
Finally, Alex Verdugo has a club to play for. After leaving the Yankees after the 2024 World Series, Alex Verdugo was found without any team to play for until March 20. The Atlanta Braves have signed Alex Verdugo and the contract terms have got people all confused.
As reported by Jon Heyman, Alex Verdugo has signed a one-year major league deal worth $1.5 million. Heyman put out another X post that caught the eye of the fans. It said, “Verdugo is optioned to Gwinnett. MLB deal but contract stipulation allows one demotion.” This means that Verdugo has signed an MLB deal but will be playing for Gwinnett Stripers in the minor leagues. The contract has also a stipulation that allows the team to demote Verdugo once during his time there.
Verdugo is optioned to Gwinnett. MLB deal but contract stipulation allows one demotion https://t.co/Wc5NupjAxO
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 20, 2025
Over his 8-year career in the MLB, Alex Verdugo has been part of some big teams like the Dodgers, Red Sox, and mainly the New York Yankees. His time with the Yankees did not go as well as he expected it to. In 2024, he just had 13 home runs and 61 RBIs with an OBP of just .291. This was one of the main reasons for the Yankees not to retain him.
But now, with a new team. he can have a fresh start.
Baseball is a game of second chances, and the Braves have given Verdugo just that, even if it comes with a minor-league pit stop. Whether this move is a masterstroke or a desperate gamble remains to be seen!
Reasons revealed: Alex Verdugo was not approached by big teams
Baseball is a brutal business. And Alex Verdugo just got a front-row seat to its cold realities. Once a key piece in the Yankees’ World Series run, he was not a priority for big league teams this season! But why exactly?
“Source: Ex-Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo hasn’t received a formal big-league contract offer since the end of last season.”
Brendan Kuty, The Athletic’s reporter, shared why Verdugo didn’t get offers.
Kuty says that the main reason Verdugo is not grabbing much attention is because of the lack of interest in free agency. With all the quality and good players like Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, and Marcell Ozuna gone, the interest decreased. Most of the teams have already set their lineup and the major problem for teams is in their pitching rotation. So, the interest in outfielders automatically came down.
If a Yankees World Series starter can’t land a deal, what does that say about MLB’s unforgiving market?
Verdugo’s fall from grace is a harsh reminder that in baseball, past performance means nothing if teams don’t see future value. Whether he proves them wrong or fades into free agency obscurity—well, that’s up to him now. Meanwhile, you can share your speculations with us!
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