Alex Verdugo DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Atlanta Braves have signed outfielder Alex Verdugo to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Verdugo has been linked to several suitors throughout camp. Fantasy managers should expect Verdugo to have a depth role in the Atlanta outfield. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a .233/.291/.356 slash line across 149 contests with the New York Yankees. He showed a strong eye at the plate, holding a 15.0 percent strikeout rate, but struggled to generate offense with his bat as he posted a modest .302 xwOBA. In addition, Verdugo was an elite defender, as he placed in the 94th percentile in arm strength and 96th percentile in arm value. Fantasy managers should expect Verdugo to compete for starting opportunities in right field while Ronald Acuna Jr.'s (knee) remains sidelined. He will likely operate on the strong side of a platoon in right field alongside Bryan De La Cruz. Verdugo will likely limit the opportunities for Jarred Kelenic, who is also a left-handed bat who posted a low .231 AVG last season.

Free-agent outfielder Alex Verdugo is biding his time on the free-agent market, but time is running out for him to sign with a new team before Opening Day at the end of March. The 28-year-old could be holding out for a better offer that he feels matches his value, but it's also possible that teams just aren't that interested in him after a disappointing season in 2024 with the New York Yankees. Once a former top prospect, Verdugo had a career-worst 83 OPS+ in the Bronx after being acquired in a trade from the division-rival Boston Red Sox. He has not lived up to his prospect hype and slashed .233/.291/.356 with a career-low .647 OPS, 13 home runs and 61 RBI last year. Despite the poor season, the Yankees continued to trot him out there. He went 10-for-48 (.208) in 14 playoff games last fall. A potential reunion went out the window when the Yankees signed Cody Bellinger in free agency.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in free-agent outfielder Alex Verdugo. While Murray did not indicate how strong the interest was, Verdugo would likely have an everyday role in right field if he joins the Pirates. Last season with the Yankees, the 28-year-old had a disappointing performance, as he held a .233/.291/.356 slash line, which was the lowest of his career. He hit 13 home runs and swiped two bags. While he did not hit the ball hard, he continued to show a great eye at the plate with a 15.0% strikeout rate and 15.5% whiff rate, which were both significantly above the average marks. He has also been an excellent defender throughout most of his career. Currently, Nick Yorke is slated to be the starting right fielder in the Steel City.