Braves' Jurickson Profar decision could be carbon copy of Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano blueprint

The Atlanta Braves are once again dealing with their share of injury troubles in the starting rotation. However, their spring took an even bigger hit when it was announced that Jurickson Profar was suspended for PED use.

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” Jeff Passan wrote.

While the Braves will have some financial flexibility from his contract, they may wait before making a move.

“Instead, the more likely outcome is that the Braves have a war chest heading into the trade deadline. If the right player is available, Atlanta has the payroll now to take on almost anyone that is likely to be available. If not, they will remain under the luxury tax threshold and have even more flexibility once the inevitable lockout eventually ends. It may not be the sexy result that some fans want, but it is also a nice benefit to what is otherwise a crummy situation,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.

The Braves also have a decision to make regarding Profar’s future, and they could follow a blueprint from previously suspended players.

“Now, we have seen players resume their careers following a 162–game suspension, though the two most notable cases have important context to consider. The Yankees would have needed to eat too much money if they cut Alex Rodriguezafter his 2014 suspension, and he actually provided the Yankees with 33 home runs and 2.8 bWAR upon returning in 2015. His former teammate, Robinson Canó, was suspended in 2018 and then again in 2021. The Mets cut him a month into the 2022 season and, ironically, he spent the rest of the year with the Braves and Padres, Profar’s last two teams,” FanSided’s Jake Elman wrote.

The ball is now in the Braves’ court, and the organization has a track record of being careful with its finances. Cutting Profar after his suspension and paying the remainder of his contract would likely be viewed as a waste by GM Alex Anthopoulos.

Profar has undoubtedly made mistakes, but he could get one final chance to prove himself. After all, both Rodriguez and Canó were able to continue productive careers following their suspensions.

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