Braves predicted to sign $4M Gold Glove finalist, durable veteran with 149 career home runs

The Atlanta Braves are still somewhat stunned that their teammate Jurickson Profar was suspended for the same reason as less than a year ago. Profar will now forfeit his entire 2026 salary due to PED use, which has left the Braves in an unusual spot.

“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.

Braves captain Chris Sale recently commented on the situation, but he made it very clear that it will not be a distraction for the team.

“It was tough. Obviously, this time of year, we're all getting prepared for the season, and there's a lot of stuff we've got to do to get prepared, and it's not good news. Not what you want to hear,” Sale said.

The Braves will have to replace Profar one way or another, and it could come either through pitching or another outfielder. There is a belief they need another right-handed bat — specifically Tommy Pham if possible.

“Profar was slated to be the team’s top DH choice. They can now go after someone else or multiple players in free agency. Adding Lucas Giolito to the rotation and beefing up that part of the roster feels like a must. There isn’t an absolutely great free agent hitter left although they shouldn’t overlook the idea of signing Tommy Pham off of another stable year where he was a Gold Glove finalist in left field for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Rising Apple’s Tim Boyle wrote.

Atlanta still has a very good roster even with the Profar debacle, but adding some veteran pieces is always beneficial. Pham is coming off a strong second half with the Pirates, so perhaps he could turn that into a full season in Atlanta.

Profar has once again put the Braves in a difficult spot due to his suspension, but he is also leaving his money behind. Atlanta will have to be smart with how it uses those resources, but it could ultimately turn into a blessing in disguise.

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