Alex Verdugo’s Struggles with Braves Raise Questions About His Future

ATLANTA, Ga. — After a disappointing season with the New York Yankees, outfielder Alex Verdugo entered free agency, only to find a home with the Atlanta Braves a week before the spring training deadline.

Verdugo, who struggled to produce 13 home runs and a .233 batting average during his year with the Yankees, was offered a modest $1.5 million contract from Atlanta. However, the Braves required him to start the season in the minor leagues, a condition Verdugo accepted.

Since being called up on April 18, Verdugo immediately made an impact, boasting a .341 batting average and .850 OPS over his first 10 games, which included five doubles.

However, his performance has sharply declined in May. With Ronald Acuña Jr. nearing his return from knee surgery, the Braves are facing pressure to consider parting ways with Verdugo.

“Since his last four-hit game, Verdugo has slashed .219/.288/.260, which falls far below expectations,” noted baseball analyst Cody Williams. “His production has mostly been negative, putting him among the bottom-ranked hitters in baseball this month.”

In the past 17 games, Verdugo has managed only 13 hits and three doubles, leading to a .200 batting average and a .500 OPS. His current drought includes no home runs in 30 games, continuing from his time with the Yankees.

The Braves, sitting at 24-23 and third in the NL East, are raising questions about Verdugo’s future. With Acuña dominating minor league competition, the pressure is mounting for a decision on Verdugo’s role on the team.