Alex Verdugo's Yankees career officially over as NL contender makes free agency move

The long wait is over, New York Yankees fans! Former outfielder Alex Verdugo, who spent the 2024 season with the Bombers following a trade with the rival Boston Red Sox, has finally found a new home.

Verdugo's free agency was certainly a head-scratcher. As of a few days ago, he reportedly received zero major league offers and was wasting away despite remaining a solid big leaguer. Was his short stop in the Bronx underwhelming? Yes. But he's a good defender and can hold his own in the batter's box. He was just no longer a fit with the Yanks.

On Thursday, Verdugo signed a $1.5 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, putting an end to his free agency. Though he'll get a late start, he can maybe sneak in a couple of spring games before the team heads north for the start of the regular season.

It's unclear where Verdugo will slot into the outfield mix in Atlanta, but their right field situation might need some help with Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz as the options out there. At the very least, Verdugo will be able to compete for reps.

Former Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo finally signs free agent contract with Braves

Originally, Yankees fans were wondering if Verdugo re-signing was a possibility with Jasson Dominguez's early spring training struggles. In the end, Dominguez has turned it around a bit to lessen those worries.

Truthfully, it never seemed like Verdugo coming back was a realistic option. The Yankees gave him a premier opportunity to make an impact in a contract year, and he hit .233 with a .647 OPS and 83 OPS+ in 149 games. He produced a bit in the World Series, but was not helpful in the other playoff rounds outside of his defense.

After sharing an outfield with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, Verdugo will be in the mix to play alongside Braves studs Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar. He'll just have to make his way out of the minor leagues first. Upon announcing the deal, the Braves revealed Verdugo was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Everybody wins here. Verdugo signs with a contender and will get a fruitful opportunity, and he's out of the American League, so the Yankees don't have to worry about the departure coming back to haunt them at some point. This chapter is officially closed.