Former Yankee Outfielder Makes ESPN History With New Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 4, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Alex Verdugo is about to make history on Sunday Night Baseball and it comes with a reminder of his brief and largely unsuccessful time in pinstripes

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Verdugo will be mic’d up on ESPN for a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday night. This is his third team being featured in the broadcast booth’s on-field segment. He previously wore a mic with both the Red Sox and the Yankees, making him the first MLB player to do so with three different teams.

Verdugo spent just one season in the Bronx, and though he was often praised for his energy and edge, the Yankees quietly let him walk after the 2024 season. They had traded for him just before the season, sending three pitching prospects to Boston in hopes he’d offer left-handed balance to a righty-heavy lineup.

Instead, Verdugo’s tenure felt transactional. He played hard, showed flashes, and even offered some entertaining moments, but the Yankees never made a serious push to re-sign him. His exit came without ceremony, shortly after Juan Soto shocked the baseball world by signing a $765 million deal with the rival Mets.

The Yankees were committed to playing Jasson Dominguez in left field and Verdugo's bat made that an easy call.

Verdugo sat out most of spring training waiting for a deal. He signed with the Braves the last week of camp and began in Triple-A. He proved to be a smart signing when Jurickson Profar was suspended after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Verdugo has been a fit in a stacked Braves lineup and continues to bring personality to the national stage.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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