Yankees Castoff Ignored in Free Agency May Soon Get Dumped by Braves

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JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

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Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo had a subpar year last season, with a .233 batting average and .647 OPS while striking out 93 times in 621 plate appearances. His postseason was not much better, as he amassed just 10 hits and seven walks in 56 trips to the plate.

Possibly as a result of those numbers, and possibly also due to some "off-field issues," when Verdugo tested free agency for the first time, he failed the test. He reportedly did not receive a single offer from any team until March 20, with just one week to go before the start of the regular season.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Alex Verdugo
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Alex Verdugo #8 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on April 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

The 28-year-old signed with the Atlanta Braves, who offered him $1.5 million for one year, though Verdugo had been paid $9.2 million by the Yankees last season. The Braves also assigned him to the minor leagues, a condition that Verdugo — who is out of minor league option years — could have refused.

Instead, Verdugo played for the Braves Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers until he got the call to join the big league club on April 17.

Now, according to a report by longtime MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Verdugo may be in danger of losing his Braves job as well.

More MLB: Ex-Yankees $9.2 Million Outfielder's 'Sad' Message as Free Agency Gets No Takers

Writing for The Athletic on Monday, Rosenthal reported that injured Braves four-time All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. may finally make his return from knee surgery as soon as "late May or early June."

When the 2023 National League MVP makes his comeback, according to Rosenthal, he will take over his familiar right field position being held down by sixth-year journeyman Eli White since the Braves optioned struggling Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A last week.

Verdugo is manning left field. When Acuña returns, according to Rosenthal, either Verdugo or White will be the odd man out in Atlanta's outfield, with Michael Harris II keeping a firm grip on centerfield.

More MLB: Yankees' $9.2 Million Reject Closer to MLB Return After Triple-A 3-Run Homer

But here is Verdugo's problem, as reported by Rosenthal:

"Check out these two stat lines:

"Alex Verdugo: .304/.361/.393 (.754 OPS) — 13 games
"Eli White: .304/.350/.571 (.921 OPS) — 25 games"

Though Verdugo has a longer major league track record — the former Los Angeles Dodgers No. 1 prospect is in his ninth season — White has performed significantly better at the plate.

Unless those stat lines show major changes, when Acuña is ready to take over right field Braves manager Brian Snitker will be faced with what Rosenthal calls "a hard decision."

Does he put what Rosenthal calls White's "delayed breakout from a 30-year-old who had never been able to quite put all of his above-average tools together at the big league level" on hold by benching him?

Or he could strip Verdugo of his starting role and possibly set the Yankees castoff up to be traded, or even designated for assignment. Barring an injury to one outfielder or the other, those appear to be the only choices the Braves will have when they get their superstar back in action.

More MLB: Ex-Yankee With 'Off-Field Issues' Expected Back in Majors After Braves Shocker

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About the writer

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

Writers Page

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His ... Read more