The Padres’ years-long flirtation with Alex Verdugo has finally resulted in his joining the organization.
He has a ways to go to join the major league team.
The left-handed-hitting outfielder has agreed to a minor-league contract and will report to minor-league camp, two sources said Sunday.
Verdugo hit .239 with a .585 OPS in 56 games for the Braves last season before being released in July.
Still just 29 years old, Verdugo hit .283 with a .770 OPS from 2019 to ’23 with the Dodgers and Red Sox. He batted .233 with a .647 OPS in 621 plate appearances for the Yankees in 2024.
The Padres spoke with Verdugo after that season and had talks regarding possibly trading for him in previous seasons.
From ’19 through ’23, Verdugo ranked 11th in the major leagues with a .292 average against right-handed pitchers. His .812 OPS against righties was 47th in MLB over that span.
Over the past two seasons, he has batted .241 with a .655 OPS in 611 plate appearances against righties.
Verdugo debuted with the Dodgers in 2017 after being selected by the organization in the second round of the 2014 draft. He was traded to Boston before the 2020 season as part of the deal that sent Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. Verdugo was traded to the Yankees after four seasons with the Red Sox.