Considered the top prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization entering the 2019 season, there was nothing left for Alex Verdugo to prove at Triple-A Oklahoma City. And although expected to begin the season in the Majors, it was not necessarily a guarantee.
That changed when Brad Miller, who was in the midst of a breakout Spring Training, opted out of his Minor League contract and became a free agent. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shortly after confirmed Verdugo was a lock to make the Opening Day roster.
With that came a new jersey number, with Verdugo selecting 27 because of special meaning, and adjusting to life as a fourth outfielder rather than an everyday player.