Braves Suffer Major Setback With $42 Million Signing Amid Disastrous Season Start…
After seven consecutive postseason appearances, including a 2021 World Series victory, the Atlanta Braves took a surprisingly cautious approach to the 2024 offseason, avoiding any major free-agent acquisitions. Instead, they opted for minor league deals—until January 23, 2025, when they finally made a significant move.
The Braves signed veteran outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract. The signing was seen as a much-needed addition, especially given the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr., who remains sidelined while recovering from his second ACL surgery. The four-time All-Star and 2023 MVP isn’t expected to return until at least late May, making Profar’s presence crucial for the Braves’ outfield.
Coming off a breakout 2024 season with the San Diego Padres—where he earned his first All-Star selection, hit 24 home runs, posted an .839 OPS, and won a Silver Slugger—Profar was seen as a solid replacement to help stabilize Atlanta’s lineup.
Brutal Start to the Season for Atlanta
Despite Profar’s addition, the Braves stumbled out of the gate. Their 2025 campaign opened with a four-game road series against the Padres, the team that eliminated them in last year’s Wild Card round. The result was disastrous—Atlanta lost all four games, getting outscored 17-7. Profar struggled, managing only three singles and a walk in 16 plate appearances while striking out three times. To make matters worse, the Braves ended the series with consecutive shutout losses, extending their scoreless streak to 22 innings as they prepared to face the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Profar Hit With 80-Game Suspension
Just when things couldn’t seem to get worse, news broke on Monday that Profar had tested positive for a banned substance under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, per an ESPN report. As a result, he faces an 80-game suspension, keeping him out until June 29, unless an appeal overturns the ruling.
In response, Profar released a statement expressing his devastation, calling it “the most difficult day of my baseball career.” He noted that he had undergone eight drug tests in 2024 without any issues. However, no further details about his positive test were available as of Monday afternoon.
Profar, who was set to earn $12 million this season, will now forfeit nearly half of that due to the suspension, as MLB rules prevent players from being paid during such bans.
With an 0-4 start and their big offseason acquisition now sidelined, the Braves face an even tougher road ahead. According to Fansided’s Braves writer Chris Schad, the team’s poor start and Profar’s suspension could put manager Brian Snitker’s job in jeopardy.
