The Atlanta Braves are still reeling after learning of outfielder Jurickson Profar’s latest suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Profar, unlike his previous suspension of 80 games in 2025, will be suspended for the full league year of 162 games this time around.
That obviously leaves the Braves with a massive gap in their lineup, not to mention a bit of embarrassment after Profar was signed as one of the team’s top free agents last year.
Profar signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Atlanta. Going into Year 2 with the Braves, he has now played in just 80 games and will not get a chance to increase that total in 2026.
The good news for the Braves is that they will not owe him any of his $15 million salary thanks to the suspension. Many assumed the Braves would turn around and use that unexpected money to address their pitching staff, especially with the starting rotation already down two starters for an extended period of time.
That doesn’t appear to be the case, however.
Jurickson Profar Appeal Could Delay Braves Decisions
Profar will be appealing the suspension, something The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal said on Foul Territory could impact the Braves’ approach to that extra $15 million.
“My understanding initially was that the appeal would be expedited,” Rosenthal said. “Now, I thought that meant, wow, it will be a couple days. But my understanding of expedition in this case is it will be a couple weeks at least, maybe even a couple months before this appeal is decided.”
Rosenthal explained that the uncertainty surrounding the appeal could make the Braves hesitant to immediately use the money on roster additions.
“It would seem to me the Braves are going to be potentially reluctant to move until they have greater clarity on whether they will be paying Jurickson Profar this year.”
Still, Rosenthal noted that Atlanta cannot simply stand pat.
“At the same time, they got to put a better team on the field than they currently have,” Rosenthal added.
Walt Weiss, Braves React to Profar Situation
Manager Walt Weiss also appeared on Foul Territory and addressed how he felt about the situation involving Profar.
“Nobody saw that coming,” Snitker said. “Obviously very disappointed and stunned when we got the news.
“I had some media members asking me, ‘Well, you said this guy was a good guy last year.’ And I said ‘Yeah, I stand by that. He was. He was a great teammate.’ When he came back, because of the circumstances last year, he was going to have to win us over, certainly win me over, and he did.”
Snitker and the Braves will have to move past the situation and quickly with Opening Day approaching on Friday, March 27 against the Kansas City Royals.
One positive sign for Atlanta so far in spring training has been the performance of Mike Yastrzemski, who signed with the Braves this offseason.
Yastrzemski has been red hot, hitting .529/.600/1.294 with an OPS of 1.894, along with four home runs, six RBI, nine hits and one double in just 20 plate appearances.
MLB Insider Says Jurickson Profar Appeal Could Complicate Braves’ $15M Plans