Braves predicted to trade for $67M Cy Young finalist to pair with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves will be without outfielder Jurickson Profar for the entire season after he was suspended for a second time due to PED use. This is his second offense in just a year.

“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.

With the Braves getting $15 million back, they have the flexibility to pursue a starting pitcher—a need that has become increasingly clear. However, Atlanta is more likely to wait until the trade deadline to make that 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 will be looking for a dominant pitcher if the right opportunity presents itself, and Atlanta could swing a trade for Luis Severino.

“That isn't to say Severino is a bad pitcher. Just that league average-ish innings guys with declining strikeout rates are a harder sell at that salary, particularly for a team that doesn't spend much in general. The A's have some really exciting young arms coming (Jamie Arnold, Gage Jump, etc.) and could look to move Severino to clear a rotation spot and, more importantly, shed payroll. Pitching is always in demand. There would be interest in Severino even at those salaries,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

Adding Severino would strengthen the rotation and bring another experienced arm into the mix. Atlanta’s Achilles’ heel last season was its rotation, and injuries only made matters worse.

The Braves are coming off a disappointing year in which they missed the playoffs entirely. This season, Atlanta will look to do whatever it takes to get the job done and ensure a return to October.

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