After seven consecutive seasons of postseason appearances, including a 2021 World Series title—their fourth in franchise history spanning three cities—the Atlanta Braves took an unexpectedly cautious approach to the offseason. They refrained from making significant free-agent signings in 2024, instead focusing on minor league deals. However, on January 23, 2025, the Braves finally made a major move.
The team signed former San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract. The signing was met with relief from fans, who had been eager for the Braves to address the outfield void left by Ronald Acuña Jr.’s absence. Acuña, a four-time All-Star, 2018 NL Rookie of the Year, and 2023 MVP, remains sidelined as he recovers from his second ACL surgery, with a return expected no sooner than late May.
To help stabilize the outfield, the Braves turned to Profar, a 32-year-old veteran entering his 12th MLB season. The Willemstad, Curaçao native enjoyed a breakout 2024 campaign with the Padres, earning his first All-Star selection, hitting 24 home runs, and posting an .839 OPS. He also claimed his first Silver Slugger award, making him a valuable addition to Atlanta’s lineup.
Seriously Ugly Start to 2025 For Atlanta
Despite adding Profar to help cover for Acuña Jr.’s absence, the Braves stumbled badly out of the gate in 2025. Opening the season with a four-game road series against the Padres—Profar’s former team and the club that swept Atlanta out of last year’s Wild Card Series—the Braves were swept again, dropping all four games.
Profar’s contributions were modest, as he managed three singles, a walk, and three strikeouts in 16 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense struggled mightily, getting outscored 17-7 in the series. The team’s woes deepened over the final two games, where they were shut out completely, extending their scoreless streak to 22 innings heading into Monday night’s matchup against the defending champion Dodgers.
Things took an even worse turn that day when ESPN reported that Profar had tested positive for a banned substance under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. As a result, the Braves’ $42 million offseason addition will now serve an 80-game suspension, barring a successful appeal. That means Profar won’t be eligible to return until June 29, when Atlanta plays its 85th game of the season.
Profar Describes Himself as ‘Devastated’
Profar responded to the suspension with a statement quoted by ESPN.com, expressing that he was “devastated” and calling Monday “the most difficult day of my baseball career.” He noted that he had undergone eight PED tests in 2024 without a single positive result.
As of Monday afternoon, no further details had been provided regarding the specifics of Profar’s alleged positive test.
Under his new contract, Profar was set to earn $12 million this season, but the 80-game suspension will cut that nearly in half, as he will forfeit his salary for the missed games.
The suspension only adds to the Braves’ early-season struggles following their rough 0-4 start. According to a report from Fansided Braves writer Chris Schad, the team’s poor start combined with this latest setback could put manager Brian Snitker’s job in jeopardy.
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