The Atlanta Braves made an expected move on Thursday, calling up outfielder Alex Verdugo. Since Jurickson Profar's suspension, this was a decision that was only a matter of time. Of Atlanta's current corner outfield options, Verdugo easily is the most proven offensive commodity and comes with the highest upside. The only reason Verdugo was available for Atlanta was a truly dismal season with the Yankees in 2024. It was an outlier in every way for a player who had been a productive piece with both the Dodgers and Red Sox.
Verdugo's call-up is a great decision that could help breathe life back into Atlanta's offense. However, how the Braves chose to make room for the veteran outfielder is far from ideal.
Bryan De La Cruz was optioned to Gwinnett despite being a far superior option. Stuart Fairchild and Jarred Kelenic have both been consistent liabilities at the plate. Why the Braves would rob themselves of the veteran's bat is head-scratching.
News: Alex Verdugo has been called up. Bryan De La Cruz optioned.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 17, 2025
The only explanation is the fact that the Braves have far more investment in both Kelenic and Fairchild, who they just traded for. De La Cruz was brought in on a bargain deal, expecting to compete for a backup role. Demoting the veteran is an easy decision that prevents the Braves from admitting one of two obvious mistakes. Eli White could have been demoted as well, but is the only player of the four to currently sit above the Mendoza line.
Atlanta bringing up Alex Verdugo is a great decision that improves the team's depth and gives them a far higher offensive ceiling. Still, the way the team created the needed roster spot was the wrong decision. Bryan De La Cruz gives this team more upside than Fairchild or Kelenic. It is especially difficult to argue keeping both Fairchild and White on the roster with their similar skill sets.
If going strictly based on performance in the first three weeks of the season, it would be Kelenic being pushed off the active roster. An outfield of Bryan De La Cruz, Michael Harris, and Alex Verdugo might not be the most defensively sound, however, it gives the team their possible highest offensive upside. This is where Atlanta's focus should be after continually underperforming at the plate this season.
Not pushing Kelenic off the roster and sending a message to this roster was a mistake. One that suggests failure is being accepted based on Atlanta's level of investment and not the player's performance on the field. This isn't the right decision and won't help Atlanta fight their way out of the team's dismal start to the 2025 season.