Padres sign Alex Verdugo to minor-league deal, will report to camp

The San Diego Padres have added outfielder alex verdugo on a minor-league contract, and he will report to minor-league camp as he seeks a path back to the big leagues. The move gives the club another experienced bat to evaluate in spring preparations.

Alex Verdugo will report to minor-league camp

The club signed Alex Verdugo to a minor-league deal and will have him report to minor-league camp, where he is expected to receive extended Spring Training preparation and time to compete for a roster role. He arrives with a long road ahead to join the major league team.

Performance history and recent numbers

Verdugo is 29 years old and comes off a season in which he hit. 239 with a. 585 OPS in 56 games before being released in July. In those appearances he produced a slash line of. 239/. 296/. 289 with zero home runs and 12 runs batted in, and he entered free agency after that release.

Across 2019–23 with the Dodgers and Red Sox he produced a. 283 batting average and a. 770 OPS. With the Yankees in 2024 he batted. 233 with a. 647 OPS in 621 plate appearances. From 2019 through 2023 he ranked among the better hitters against right-handed pitching, posting a. 292 average against right-handers and a. 812 OPS in that span; over the past two seasons his line against righties was. 241 with a. 655 OPS in 611 plate appearances.

Verdugo debuted in 2017 after being selected in the second round of the 2014 draft. He was traded to Boston before the 2020 season in a deal that moved a marquee player to Los Angeles, and later was traded to New York after four seasons with the Red Sox.

What this means for outfield depth

The signing provides the Padres with an additional left-handed hitting outfielder who can be evaluated as a bench or depth option. The club already has an established starting group and several corner/outfield candidates projected for playing time; Verdugo will be one of multiple experienced players the team examines during camp as it sorts bench roles and occasional defensive matchups.

• Minor-league contract, with assignment to minor-league camp.
• Recent MLB line:.239 average and. 585 OPS in 56 games before being released.
• Career track includes a. 283 average (2019–23) and extensive experience against right-handed pitching.

Analysis and forward look: Verdugo’s immediate path is clear—perform in minor-league camp to force consideration for a bench role or an early-season call-up. If he can replicate elements of his 2019–23 production, particularly against right-handed pitching, he could present a low-risk option for roster depth. If he does not produce in camp, his contract structure and assignment mean the team can evaluate other bench alternatives without long-term commitment. Uncertainties about playing time and role remain not publicly confirmed, and any promotion would depend on performance and the club’s roster needs during spring and early regular season play.