The San Diego Padres have added outfielder Alex Verdugo to their organization on a minor league deal, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Verdugo has been a free agent since the Atlanta Braves released him last July, and this new agreement offers him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during Spring Training.
Unlike last offseason when Verdugo signed his one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Braves just a week before Opening Day, the earlier timing of this agreement will give him more preparation time this year. The Padres appear to view him as a potential backup outfielder, adding depth to their roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Career History and Recent Performance Challenges
Verdugo, entering his age-30 season, may see this as a chance to revitalize his career. Previously an everyday player with the Boston Red Sox and a notable part of the trade involving Mookie Betts from the Dodgers, Verdugo posted solid but unspectacular numbers over five seasons in Boston. He recorded a .281 batting average with a .338 on-base percentage and a .424 slugging percentage, hitting 43 home runs across 2,071 plate appearances and achieving a 105 weighted runs created plus (wRC+).
However, his recent production has declined. Over the last two years with the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves, Verdugo’s offensive output dropped significantly. In the 2024 season specifically, he posted an 80 wRC+ with a .234/.292/.339 slash line, tallying 13 home runs in 834 plate appearances. In both seasons, he started strong but faded as the year progressed, contributing to his prolonged free agency status.
Time with Braves and Release Circumstances
Verdugo’s stint with the Braves was in part a response to injuries and suspensions in their outfield. After signing with Atlanta, Jurickson Profar’s PED suspension temporarily opened up the potential for Verdugo to have a regular role as the team’s left fielder. To prepare, he spent the first weeks of the regular season at extended Spring Training and in the minor leagues before making his major league return.
Despite the opportunity, Verdugo struggled at the plate, hitting just .239/.296/.289 over 213 plate appearances during his time with the Braves in 2025. Once Profar was reinstated, Verdugo was designated for assignment and subsequently released. No additional minor league offers emerged for him throughout the remainder of that season, and he remained absent from offseason trade talks until this signing.
Padres’ Outfield Composition and Role for Verdugo
San Diego’s outfield is currently anchored by Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Ramon Laureano. Miguel Andujar will see some playing time as a corner outfielder, while Gavin Sheets and Nick Castellanos, although outfield-eligible, are expected to serve mainly at first base and as designated hitters. Bryce Johnson is considered a fourth outfielder but has yet to establish consistent offensive production during parts of four MLB seasons. Meanwhile, the Padres are experimenting with Sung Mun Song to transform him into a super-utility player.
The left-handed bat of Verdugo could complement Laureano, a right-handed hitter, by providing a platoon option in matchups against right-handed pitchers. Verdugo’s stronger offensive track record compared to Johnson may give him an edge, although he is primarily suited defensively as a corner outfielder. Given that the Padres lack a permanent designated hitter, the team plans to rotate various players through the DH spot to rest starters and give bench players additional opportunities at the plate.
Team Strategy in Depth and Roster Competition
The Padres are taking a low-risk approach by bringing Verdugo into their Spring Training camp to evaluate what he can contribute. The club has signed several experienced major leaguers on minor league deals this offseason, including Ty France, Pablo Reyes, Jose Miranda, and Nick Solak. All are competing for a limited number of spots on San Diego’s 26-man roster, as the team looks to bolster overall bench depth and versatility for the upcoming season.
