PEORIA, Ariz. – After a period of uncertainty, Mexican outfielder Alex Verdugo has been given a new opportunity to revitalize his career. He has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, an organization where he hopes to rediscover his form and prove he remains a valuable Major League Baseball player.
According to reports from San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee, the agreement is a minor league deal without an invitation to Spring Training. Verdugo will report directly to minor league camp with the goal of working his way back onto the Padres’ major league roster. This represents a significant step in his attempt to regain his footing in the sport.
The move to San Diego offers Verdugo a second chance after a challenging stretch. He was released by the Atlanta Braves in July 2025, having appeared in 56 games for the team where he batted .239 with 47 hits, 12 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. The Padres, yet, have shown interest in Verdugo for some time, exploring potential trades in 2024 and engaging in talks after that season.
For Verdugo, the decision to join the Padres also held a personal element. He expressed a desire to be closer to home, and the Padres provided that opportunity. “For me it was an easy decision. I wanted to be close to home and the Padres offered me that opportunity,” Verdugo said, also highlighting his admiration for the organization’s overall quality and culture. He believes the team’s environment and roster of players will be conducive to a career resurgence.
The path back to the majors won’t be easy. The Padres boast established outfielders like Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Ramón Laureano, all key pieces of their lineup. However, the organization is seeking to add depth to its outfield, creating a potential opening for Verdugo if he can demonstrate his abilities. His solid defense and knack for timely hits remain qualities valued in the game.
The Padres’ pursuit of Verdugo is part of a broader strategy led by President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, known for making calculated moves in the market. Signing Verdugo is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward proposition – if the outfielder can recapture his previous form, he could become a valuable asset.
Verdugo’s career has taken him through several prominent franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. He was a key contributor to the Yankees’ World Series run in 2024, gaining valuable postseason experience. His experience across these organizations provides a strong foundation as he embarks on this new chapter.
From 2019 through 2023, Verdugo ranked 11th in the major leagues with a .292 batting average against right-handed pitchers, and his .812 OPS against righties ranked 47th in MLB during that span. While his production dipped to .239 with a .585 OPS and 12 RBIs in 197 at-bats for the Braves last season, the Padres are banking on his ability to rediscover that earlier success.
Recent reports from the Padres’ spring training camp indicate Verdugo is already making a positive impression. Acee reported on March 9th that Verdugo appears “rejuvenated,” actively engaging with teammates and offering assistance to younger players. He described Verdugo as being in a “much better headspace, much better physically,” and feeling “recharged.” This positive attitude and work ethic could be crucial in his quest to earn a spot on the roster.
The Padres are not expecting Verdugo to make the Opening Day roster, with Ramón Laureano currently slated to start in left field alongside Nick Castellanos, who will notice time in both the outfield and at first base. However, the competition for a roster spot is expected to be fierce, and Verdugo’s performance in spring training and at Triple-A will determine his fate.
This isn’t just about baseball for Verdugo; it’s about a fresh start. He’s looking to prove that he can still contribute at the highest level and solidify his place in the game. For the Padres, it’s a calculated gamble that could pay off handsomely if Verdugo can unlock his potential once again.
The Padres continue spring training in Peoria, Arizona, with exhibition games scheduled throughout March. Verdugo will be looking to showcase his skills and earn the opportunity to return to the major leagues. The next key date is the start of the regular season, scheduled for March 28th against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What are your thoughts on the Padres’ signing of Alex Verdugo? Share your predictions and comments below!
