Braves Facing Alex Verdugo Decision After Jurickson Profar Suspension

The Atlanta Braves have a major decision to make following the news that star outfielder Jurickson Profar would be suspended for 80 games after a positive PED test.

Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta, but will be out for half of 2025 after a test revealed his usage of a testosterone-boosting drug known as hCG. 

Over the past two weeks, the Braves made a few last-minute pickups that are now of greater importance. On Monday, they swung a trade for Reds outfielder Stuart Fairchild in exchange for cash considerations, transferring reliever Joe Jimenez to the 60-day injured list.

However, one player that may be vaulted to a starting role is former Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo, who signed a minor-league deal worth $1.5 million with the Braves on March 20th. Verdugo was a big part of the Yankees' run to the 2024 World Series, and his highly delayed free agency signing came as a shock to much of the league. 

Verdugo was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett following his signing, but may get a call up to the big leagues in the wake of this announcement, as Ronald Acuña Jr. remains weeks away from making his long-awaited return to the big leagues.

Braves reporter Grant McAuley pointed out that Verdugo is one of many outfielders Atlanta has at their disposal, including Bryan de la Cruz, Fairchild, Jarred Kelenic and Eli White. Kelenic is most likely to see a daily role, as he played left field in 75 games for the Braves in 2024. 

For now, Verdugo's grit and clutch potential could help the Braves as they seek to replicate Profar's offensive contributions in his absence.