Padres Sign Verdugo to Minor League Contract

The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo, providing the 29-year-old a chance to revive his career after a challenging 2025 season. Verdugo, a left-handed hitter with experience across all three outfield positions, will report to the team's minor league facility in Peoria, Arizona, without an invitation to big league spring training camp.

The deal, reported Sunday, comes as the Padres seek to bolster outfield depth behind projected starters Ramon Laureano, Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. Additional options include Nick Castellanos, Gavin Sheets and Miguel Andujar. Verdugo's versatility and above-average defensive skills could make him a valuable reserve if he earns a call-up, particularly given Merrill's injury history that limited him to 115 games last year. The agreement carries low risk for San Diego, as minor league contracts allow the team to evaluate performance without significant financial commitment.

Verdugo entered free agency after the Atlanta Braves released him in July 2025, following a disappointing stint where he appeared in 56 games and batted .239 with no home runs and 12 RBIs. He had shown early...