After seven consecutive postseason appearances—including a 2021 World Series title, the fourth championship in the franchise’s long three-city history—the Atlanta Braves took an unusually quiet approach to the 2024 offseason. They avoided major free-agent signings, opting instead for minor league deals and smaller moves.
That changed on January 23, 2025, when the Braves finally made their move.
The Braves made a splash by signing former San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal. The move was met with relief from the fanbase, who had been puzzled by the team’s slow approach in replacing Ronald Acuña Jr. The star outfielder continues to recover from his second ACL surgery, leaving a significant hole in the lineup. Profar’s addition was seen as a step toward addressing that gap.
The four-time All-Star, 2018 National League Rookie of the Year, and 2023 MVP is not expected to return to the Braves lineup until at least late May. In the meantime, the Braves are hopeful that the addition of 32-year-old veteran Jurickson Profar will help fill the gap in the outfield. The Curacao native is coming off a career-best season in 2024, making him a valuable asset for the team as they navigate Acuña’s absence.
During his time with the Padres in 2024, Profar earned his first All-Star selection and posted a career-best season, finishing with 24 home runs and an .839 OPS. His standout performance also earned him his first Silver Slugger award, further solidifying his value as an impact player.
Seriously Ugly Start to 2025 For Atlanta
Despite having Profar in the lineup to compensate for Acuña Jr.’s absence, the Braves had a rough start to the 2025 season. Facing the Padres—Profar’s former team and the club that knocked them out of last year’s playoffs with a two-game Wild Card Series sweep—Atlanta dropped all four games in their season-opening series in San Diego.
Profar recorded three singles, a walk, and three strikeouts in 16 plate appearances, but the Braves struggled offensively, being outscored 17-7 in the series. They were shut out in the final two games, and heading into Monday night’s matchup against the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta had gone 22 consecutive innings without scoring.
On Monday, things took a turn for the worse for Atlanta when, according to an ESPN.com report, Profar tested positive for a substance banned under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The Braves’ $42 million acquisition will now serve an 80-game suspension. Unless he successfully appeals to reduce or overturn it, Profar will be sidelined until June 29, when Atlanta plays its 85th game of the season.
Profar Describes Himself as ‘Devastated’
In a statement quoted by ESPN.com, Profar expressed that he was “devastated,” calling Monday “the most difficult day of my baseball career.” He also noted that he had undergone eight PED tests in 2024 without a single positive result.
As of Monday afternoon, no additional details had been released regarding Profar’s alleged positive test.
Profar was set to earn $12 million this season under his new contract, but his 80-game suspension will cut that amount nearly in half. Due to the alleged PED policy violation, he will forfeit his salary for the games he misses.
The suspension further complicates the Braves’ efforts to rebound from their rough 0-4 start. According to a report by Fansided Braves writer Chris Schad, it could even put manager Brian Snitker’s job at risk.
