Outfielder Alex Verdugo To Sign Minor-League Contract With Padres

[Steve Drumwright]

There is another addition to the San Diego Padres' outfield competition.

Alex Verdugo, a left-handed hitter released by Atlanta last season, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Padres, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Sunday. The deal will become official once the 29-year-old passes a physical.

A left-handed hitter, Verdugo was designated for assignment and released by Atlanta in July following the return of former Friars outfielder Jurickson Profar after serving an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Verdugo, who had signed a $1.5 million contract with Atlanta, had put up a meager .239/.296/.289 slash line with no homers and 12 RBIs in 213 plate appearances over 56 games. That was a second consecutive poor offensive year for Verdugo, who posted a .233/.291/.356 slash line in 2024 with the New York Yankees, with 13 homers and 61 RBIs in 149 games.

Verdugo's career numbers show there could still be some production left. His career slash line is .270/.326/.406, mostly done between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox over his first seven MLB seasons. His 13 homers in 2024 matched his career high, accomplished twice.

Verdugo now jumps into the mix with Bryce Johnson for a backup outfield role. Johnson does not have any minor-league options remaining. Verdugo is mainly a corner outfielder, but does also play center.

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