Padres Sign Alex Verdugo to Minor League Deal

As the San Diego Padres enter the Craig Stammen era, the team is exploring all avenues to strengthen its roster. Their latest move brings Alex Verdugo into the fold on a minor league contract, a signing aimed at adding experienced depth to the outfield. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Verdugo will report to minor league camp, signaling that a return to the majors is not guaranteed.

Verdugo has had a journeyman career since his debut, playing for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and most recently the Atlanta Braves. Once considered a centerpiece of the Red Sox’s trade for Mookie Betts from the Dodgers, Verdugo has experienced fluctuating performance in recent seasons.

In 2025 with Atlanta, Verdugo struggled over 56 games, hitting just .239 with no home runs and 12 RBIs. Despite these struggles, he has a career .270 batting average with 70 home runs, 328 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases across nine MLB seasons. The Padres’ minor league deal represents a calculated gamble on his potential to regain form.

For San Diego, the signing provides a versatile option capable of covering all three outfield positions. While the path back to MLB playing time is uncertain, Verdugo’s experience and past flashes of talent give the Padres a potential mid-season contributor if injuries or roster needs arise.

1. Verdugo’s Career Journey

Verdugo entered the majors as a highly regarded young outfielder, expected to be a key piece in the Boston Red Sox’s rebuilding strategy after their Mookie Betts trade. He spent four seasons in Boston before being traded to the New York Yankees, where he lasted only one season. Following his brief Yankees stint, Verdugo joined the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 season. Though he struggled statistically, he still displayed the ability to play all three outfield positions, offering flexibility to any roster seeking coverage across left, center, and right fields. Throughout his nine-year MLB career, Verdugo has consistently shown solid contact ability and defensive reliability. However, he has not been a consistent difference-maker in recent campaigns, which contributed to his availability on a minor league deal. Despite these ups and downs, Verdugo remains a seasoned professional familiar with both winning and rebuilding environments, giving the Padres a veteran presence for their younger outfielders to learn from in minor league camp.

2. Padres’ Strategic Move

The Padres’ decision to sign Verdugo reflects a low-risk, high-upside approach to roster construction. With injuries always a concern in a long MLB season, having a versatile veteran like Verdugo available could be a key safety net for the major league club. Reporting to minor league camp allows the Padres to evaluate Verdugo’s current skill level and readiness without committing a 40-man roster spot or significant financial resources. This approach preserves flexibility for potential mid-season call-ups. Verdugo’s ability to cover all outfield spots makes him an attractive option for late-game defensive substitutions, spot starts, or pinch-hitting opportunities if he can regain his batting form. San Diego could see immediate value if injuries or slumps affect the team’s regular outfielders. The signing also provides an opportunity for Verdugo to demonstrate that he can still contribute at the major league level. Strong performance in minor league camp or early-season exhibition games could earn him a promotion and give him a chance to make a meaningful impact.

3. Road Back to the Majors

Verdugo now faces the challenge of proving himself in a competitive minor league environment. The Padres’ camp will be his first opportunity to show that he can still compete with emerging talent and earn a return to the majors. Consistency will be key. If Verdugo can regain his power, timing, and defensive reliability, he could be a valuable mid-season option for San Diego. His veteran experience could also help mentor younger prospects navigating their first MLB experiences. The minor league assignment also allows Verdugo to focus on specific areas of improvement, such as plate discipline and bat speed, to maximize his chances of rejoining the major league roster. Success here could pave the way for another productive chapter in his career. Ultimately, the Padres’ gamble on Verdugo is straightforward: if he performs, he could provide depth, flexibility, and a veteran presence; if not, the financial and roster risk remains minimal. For Verdugo, this is a fresh opportunity to reignite a career that still carries plenty of potential.