Okay, THIS is the day the Braves finally cut Verdugo... right?

Pretty sure this is the third time I’ve had to write this—but maybe it’s the last?

(Bit of a shorter one today, but it’s something I’m strangely passionate about. Back to a longer, more traditional deep dive tomorrow.)

Third time’s a charm, right?

I wrote about the Atlanta Braves needing to move on from Alex Verdugo on May 23rd and June 10th. Nonetheless, he remains employed by the Atlanta Braves and continues to get high-leverage opportunities.

But today’s the day - the Atlanta Braves need to cut ties with the former Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees outfielder.

Let’s talk about it.

I swear this isn’t personal

…it’s just about his role and his ability to contribute.

Given their proclivity to play the same guy every day except for left field and behind the plate, the Braves in recent seasons have configured their bench to fill specific roles rather than finding backup starters.

And Alex Verdugo, unfortunately, doesn’t fit into any meaningful role off the bench - not even as a veteran pinch hitter.

Let’s run through them and I’ll show you.

Defensive replacement

Alex Verdugo is the single worst defender on the 2025 roster, per Statcast, at -5 Fielding Run Value and -5 Outs Above Average. Here’s the entire list:

Now, it’s important to point out that on a rate basis, as in Fielding RV per 100 pitches, he’s not the worst. That distinction goes to Luke Williams, who has graded out at -2 Run Value at shortstop despite playing only 43 innings at the position.

But when it comes to defense, Verdugo doesn’t do anything well.

He grades out poorly when moving both in (-1 OAA) and back (-1 OAA). He’s exactly neutral moving to his right and -2 OAA when moving to his left…despite setting up farther to the left than most outfielders in Major League Baseball.

When you look at the components of an outfielder’s jump - Reaction, Burst, and Route - he’s only slightly above average in one and below-average in the others.

1. Reaction is the feet covered in any direction in the first 1.5 seconds of the play. This is the area where he’s slightly better than average, coming in at +0.4 feet above Major League average.

2. Burst is the feet covered in any direction in the second 1.5 seconds of the play. Verdugo comes in at -1.1 feet versus Major League average, giving back any of his Reaction advantage and more.

3. Route is the feet covered in any direction versus feet covered in the correct direction. Verdugo’s negative here, as well, coming in at -0.3 feet versus Major League average.

Think of these as measuring the first step (Reaction), acceleration (Burst), and overall efficiency (Route). His aggregate “Jump” measurement is one unnecessary foot covered versus average, with the average being 33.3 feet per play. It all adds up to an actual catch percentage of just 83% versus an expected of 88%.

And despite having a big arm, with a 90th percentile mark of 90.9 mph, he can’t effectively use it to make up for his route-running mistakes. Verdugo’s Arm Value grades out at just the 36th percentile with -1 Run Value. Opposing runners have attempted advances two percent more than expected, an actual 36% versus an estimated 34%.

Pinch-running

He’s also not going to be the first person inserted in a pinch-running scenario. Part of that is the obvious - he’s just not very fast, coming in at a 21st percentile 26.1 ft/sec.

But not only is he slow, he’s also not very good at it. Verdugo’s -1 Baserunning Run Value ranks in the 18th percentile and reflects issues both with stolen bases and taking extra bases. He grades out at -1 on stolen bases of second above average, but also -3 on extra bases taken (including two notable times getting thrown out at home, sends that may have gotten third base coach Matt Tuiasosopo reassigned to the minor leagues a few weeks ago.)

Pinch-hitting

And while manager Brian Snitker would undoubtedly use Verdugo as a lefty pinch-hitter off the bench, that feels like not the greatest decision unless lefty catcher Drake Baldwin is either already in the game or unavailable.

While Verdugo is hitting .260 in his career as a pinch-hitter, going 13-50 with two homers and four RBI, he’s also struck out twice as much as he’s walked, ten strikeouts to five walks. And this season—granted, in a small sample size—he’s been a disaster when called upon late: 1-7 with two strikeouts.

He’s also not hitting well recently, batting just .194 with a .452 OPS over the last 30 days.

So if Verdugo isn’t offering defense, speed, or recent offensive production, what exactly is the value in keeping him around? The cold truth is, there isn’t one. With Profar returning and Atlanta fighting to stay afloat in a tightening playoff race, the roster can’t afford dead weight. Sentiment doesn’t win games, and right now, every win matters.