Alex Verdugo, whose lack of interest from teams during the offseason had many in the baseball world perplexed, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves on March 20th.

After ramping up his rehab, Verdugo was called up to the majors on April 17 with the Braves intending to clear a regular role for him on the team.

With Jarred Kelenic, Bryan de la Cruz, Stuart Fairchild and Eli White struggling in the wake of Jurickson Profar’s suspension announcement, Verdugo had a clear path to earn an everyday spot on the roster.

With Sunday’s performance, Verdugo has clearly earned it.

Despite the Braves failing to sweep the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 6-4 on Sunday, Verdugo went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a walk.

After Sunday’s game, Verdugo has a .333/.368/.472 slash line with an .841 OPS and 134 wRC+ in his first eight games as a Brave. He has clearly found himself in the leadoff spot with his new club, away from the bright lights of the Bronx.

Verdugo made headlines over the offseason when a March 18th report surfaced that claimed Verdugo hadn’t received a single major-league offer to that point.

While Verdugo did struggle with the Yankees in 2024, his premier arm strength and solid fielding repertoire did warrant a team at least taking a flier on him as a depth piece.

So far, Verdugo’s 9.1% strikeout rate, 10.2% whiff rate and .326 expected batting average in 2025 are all improvements from his 15% strikeout rate, 15.5% whiff rate and .250 expected batting average in 2024.

Verdugo has clearly been the spark in a struggling Braves lineup.