The Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees released former Sahuaro High School outfielder Alex Verdugo over the last 10 months, probably ending his career at age 29. Few could’ve seen this coming.
Verdugo was the second-round draft pick of the Dodgers in 2014. By 2019, he started 104 games for the Dodgers, and went on to hit 50 home runs for the Red Sox and Yankees from 2021-24. But Verdugo, a left fielder, notably struggled with the Yankees last year, hitting .233. His power ebbed. The Braves signed him as a free agent this season; Verdugo hit .239 with no homers and was released recently.
Atlanta Braves' Alex Verdugo hits a single during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, June 27, 2025, in Atlanta.
It’s a cautionary tale of how difficult it is to remain in the big leagues. Exactly 50 high school ballplayers from the greater Tucson area have reached the big leagues, and only nine were able to stay in the big leagues for 10 years or more. The roll call:
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– Ron Hassey, Tucson High/UA, 14 years, 1,192 games
– Ian Kinsler, Canyon del Oro/ASU, 14 years, 1,888 games
– Andy Hassler, Palo Verde, 14 years, 1,123 innings pitched
– J.J. Hardy, Sabino, 13 years, 1,561 games
– Tom Pagnozzi, Rincon, 12 years, 927 games
– Alex Kellner, Amphitheater, 12 years, 1,849 innings
– Scott Hairston, CDO, 11 years, 923 games
– Jack Howell, Palo Verde/UA, 11 years, 941 games
– Mark Carreon, Salpointe, 10 years, 738 games
Verdugo has played in 856 games over nine MLB seasons. Unless he retires, he is likely to get a minor-league contract next spring in a final chance to get back to the big leagues.
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