Alex Verdugo signs with Atlanta Braves for $1.5 million

Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo has signed a new contract with the Atlanta Braves for $1.5 million. He had a chance to sign a more lucrative deal worth $8 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this offseason. Verdugo's free agency took longer than expected, but with the baseball season approaching, he has now found a team. However, he will begin the season in Triple-A Gwinnett until the Braves think he is ready to play in the major leagues. Despite struggling last season with a batting average of .233, Verdugo has a solid career average of .281. Many players have off seasons but usually sign new contracts quickly. It seems Verdugo may have misjudged the market for his services, hoping for offers from more competitive teams. The Yankees had no plans to re-sign Verdugo after he started 149 games last season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Verdugo's talent, saying the Braves got a good player for a low price. Now, Verdugo aims to prove himself and contribute to the Braves, especially while Ronald Acuña Jr. works on returning from injury.