The San Diego Padres had been inquisitive about outfielder Alex Verdugo previously. They lastly received their man on Sunday.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres and Verdugo agreed to a minor league contract. Though spring coaching is properly underway, Verdugo can have an opportunity to compete for a reserve spot on the Padres roster.
Verdugo has struggled over the previous two seasons with the Yankees and Braves. He had produced a .234/.292/.339 batting line over a mixed 834 plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and 38 doubles. His lack of manufacturing led to the Braves reducing him unfastened in July, as he remained a free agent till signing with the Padres.
Alex Verdugo a worthwhile flier for San Diego Padres
Whereas Verdugo had not been a star, he was a strong participant for the Dodgers and Crimson Sox. He posted a .283/.338/.432 batting line over 2448 plate appearances between 2019 and 2023, hitting 55 homers and 146 doubles.
The Padres outfield is seemingly set as Opening Day approaches. Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Ramon Laureano are the anticipated starters from proper to left, with Miguel Andujar and Bryce Johnson the doubtless backups. Gavin Sheets and Nick Castellanos can be at first, however each gamers have expertise within the outfield as properly. Likewise, KBO utility man Sung-Mun Track is predicted to see time within the outfield because the Padres look to develop his defensive profile.
Nevertheless, there might be a spot for Verdugo if he has a robust displaying throughout spring coaching. Johnson hit properly in Triple-A however wants to point out that his sturdy displaying over an 84-plate-appearance pattern in 2025 shouldn’t be a fluke. Track could not take as properly to the outfield because the Padres hope. If Verdugo can rediscover the shape he confirmed from 2019 by way of 2023, he might discover a place on the Padres roster.
