One of the biggest offensive concerns facing the Atlanta Braves heading into the 2025 season was the production from their outfield. Ronald Acuna Jr. is ramping up but is not expected to return to the team until weeks into the season. With this in mind, the team was left relying on a platoon of Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic to get the job done. This is concerning when you look at the offensive question marks at shortstop and catcher heading into the season.
Atlanta's concerns will be somewhat eased with the news the team has signed outfielder Alex Verdugo on a one-year deal. The pact is worth $1.5 million and a huge potential bargain for Atlanta. Verdugo spent the last year with the Yankees struggling greatly at the plate. However, all of the poor numbers could easily be considered outliers with Verdugo being a consistent offensive force in Boston.
Alex Verdugo to Braves. $1.5M.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 20, 2025
MLB News: Braves Sign Alex Verdugo
Verdugo should factor into Atlanta's plans as soon as the hitter can be ready for the regular season. Michael Harris and Jurickson Profar are the only Atlanta outfielders whose names are on the roster in pen. The rest of the roles are up for grabs including a starting role for the first weeks of the season. It will be interesting to see how quickly Atlanta can have Verdugo ready for the active roster.
With only a week left of spring training, it would be a surprise if the team didn't allow the outfielder extra time to prepare for the season. Helping ease the outfielder into his new role and managing expectations will be key to putting last year's struggles behind him.
Verdugo has spent time with the Dodgers and Red Sox, offering consistent offensive production with both teams. Atlanta has every reason to believe the veteran can shake off last year's struggles and contribute at a high level.
What is interesting is what this means for Atlanta's current outfield construction. With Marcell Ozuna locked in at DH and Acuna expected to return early in the season the Braves could find themselves with a great problem on their hands. You don't want to take the glove of Michael Harris out of the lineup and Profar is expected to be a big offensive contributor. If Verdugo can make a strong first impression Atlanta will have a very interesting decision on their hands.