In a move that many Braves fans had been anticipating, Atlanta promoted outfielder Alex Verdugo on Thursday amid ongoing struggles from their outfield group to start the 2025 season. To make room, the team optioned outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett.
De La Cruz, who signed a one-year deal with the Braves last December, appeared in 16 of Atlanta’s first 18 games. After a breakout season with the Miami Marlins in 2021, he remained a steady part of their offense until he was traded at the 2024 deadline. Since then, however, his performance has nosedived. After being dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates, De La Cruz hit just .200 over 44 games and struggled defensively, leading Pittsburgh to let him walk in free agency.
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The Braves hoped De La Cruz could hold down a platoon role in right field with Jarred Kelenic until Ronald Acuña Jr. returned from knee surgery, but the plan fell apart quickly. Since being traded by Miami, De La Cruz has been statistically the least valuable player in MLB by fWAR, posting a combined -1.6 mark while hitting just .198 and managing only three home runs — all with Pittsburgh.
The situation was further complicated when Jurickson Profar’s 80-game PED suspension forced Atlanta to rely more heavily on both Kelenic and De La Cruz. While Kelenic hasn’t produced much either, the Braves have chosen to keep him over De La Cruz for now.
Verdugo’s promotion doesn’t guarantee success, but Atlanta is hoping he can provide a spark. Signed to offer depth and experience, he now gets his shot. With Acuña nearing a return, it’s unlikely De La Cruz will be back in the Braves’ lineup anytime soon. Once viewed as a rising offensive threat, De La Cruz may now face a long road back to the majors.
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