MLB Rumors: Ex-Red Sox Alex Verdugo Next In Line For Call Up

The Atlanta Braves are in need of outfield depth, which is a perfectly timed circumstance for ex-Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo.

Verdugo entered the offseason as a free agent — a not-so-desirable free agent, at that. There weren’t many suitors flooding Verdugo’s phone with calls, even though the 28-year-old finished as a finalist for an American League Gold Glove Award in 2024. Rumored concerns regarding Verdugo’s “off-field issues,” coupled with his failure to capitalize on an opportunity to break out with the New York Yankees last season did a number on Verdugo when it came time to find a new gig.

Fast forward to the start of the regular season, and the Braves could use Verdugo’s services. The aftermath that has unfolded following Jurickson Profar’s 80-game PED suspension has since amplified the need for depth, and Atlanta has recognized it.

“A Braves official said it was a scheduled lighter work day for Verdugo after he’d played all 14 innings of a doubleheader Saturday,” The Athletic’s David O’Brien reported Sunday. “However, all signs point to Verdugo joining the Braves this week, either in Toronto or when they begin a homestand Friday against the Minnesota Twins.”

Verdugo signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Braves and was later optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Profar played (in left field) alongside teammates Michael Harris II and Jarred Kelenic to keep the outfield filled while Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers from his torn Achilles injury suffered last June. Now, Profar is no longer an option — at least until his June 29 eligible return date — and the team’s 4-11 start to the season has sunk Atlanta to a quick last-place standing in the National League East.

The Braves currently rank second-to-last in baseball in runs scored (49), 21st in slugging percentage (.361), 17th in on-base percentage (.306) and 16th in home runs (15). It’s hard to compete against division rivals such as the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies with one of baseball’s worst offensives, and if the offense doesn’t improve soon, Acuña’s much-anticipated return won’t mean much for the club.

Meanwhile, Verdugo has continued to get warmed up in Triple-A.

During Sunday’s matchup between the Gwinnett Stripers and the Norfolk Tides, Verdugo crushed a second-inning three-run home run to put the team ahead en route to its 12-8 victory. Verdugo was removed from the game in the fourth inning, signaling the left-handed hitter’s potential promotion to Atlanta.

Verdugo has slashed .182/.250/.500 with two home runs, one double and four RBIs over seven games with the Triple-A squad this season. Those aren’t door-knocking numbers by any stretch, but the Braves are heading toward desperation mode and their options aren’t very expansive, either. The risk involved in calling up Verdugo, despite his limited and underwhelming Triple-A sample size, is minimal.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals were among those who considered signing Verdugo this past offseason. When it came time to sign and take off for spring training, the eight-year veteran was left stranded on the open market, and even New York’s World Series appearance with Verdugo last season wasn’t of any assistance.