The Pittsburgh Pirates have experienced a setback as one of their key free agent targets, outfielder Alex Verdugo, has signed with the Atlanta Braves just a week before the regular season kicks off. This move leaves the Pirates scrambling to finalize their roster and make strategic adjustments.
Verdugo, who played for the New York Yankees last season, has been reassigned to Triple-A Gwinnett by the Braves. Despite the Pirates’ interest and an unconfirmed $8 million offer, Verdugo opted for a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Atlanta.
Alex Verdugo has had a dynamic career in Major League Baseball, starting with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure with the Dodgers, Verdugo showcased his potential, particularly in 2019 when he slashed .294/.342/.475 for an OPS of .817 in 106 games.
This performance included 101 hits, 22 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 26 walks.
Transition to the Boston Red Sox
In 2020, Verdugo was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to make an impact. His most notable season with the Red Sox came during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.
Verdugo slashed .308/.367/.448 for an OPS of .844 in 53 games, with 62 hits, 16 doubles, six home runs, 15 RBIs, and 17 walks. This performance solidified his reputation as a reliable outfielder.
Stint with the New York Yankees
Last season, Verdugo played for the New York Yankees, contributing to their American League Pennant win and their first World Series appearance since 2009. Despite his efforts, Verdugo experienced a career-low performance, slashing .233/.291/.356 for a .647 OPS in 149 games.
He recorded 130 hits, 28 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 49 walks.
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The Pirates’ Pursuit of Verdugo
The Pittsburgh Pirates had shown interest in Verdugo as early as January, with reports from Robert Murray of FanSided highlighting their pursuit. On March 6, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Pirates had offered Verdugo a one-year contract worth around $8 million. However, there was no confirmation that this offer was officially made.
Atlanta Braves’ Signing
Despite the Pirates’ interest, Verdugo chose to sign with the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. The Braves have reassigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, adding depth to their outfield options. This move leaves the Pirates without one of their key targets as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Pirates’ Roster Adjustments
In response to missing out on Verdugo, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made several roster adjustments. They signed free agent outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year, $4 million deal with $250,000 in incentives. Pham is expected to join center fielder Oneil Cruz and All-Star Bryan Reynolds in the Pirates’ outfield.
Additional Signings
The Pirates have also made other strategic signings to bolster their roster:
- Andrew Heaney: Left-handed pitcher signed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal.
- Adam Frazier: Former All-Star second baseman re-signed to a one-year, $1.525 million contract.
- Andrew McCutchen: Veteran outfielder re-signed to a one-year, $5 million contract.
Competition for Outfield Spots
With Verdugo out of the picture, the Pirates will see increased competition for outfield spots. In addition to Pham, Cruz, and Reynolds, several other players will vie for a place in the lineup:
- Joshua Palacios
- Jack Suwinski
- Nick Yorke
- Billy Cook
- Ji Hwan Bae
Upcoming Season
The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin their regular season with a road series against the Tampa Bay Rays starting on March 27. They are finalizing their roster and making last-minute adjustments. The team aims to start the season strong and build momentum.
For the latest news, updates, interviews, and insights on the Pittsburgh Pirates, visit Pirates OnSI.
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