Jurickson Profar suspension leaves gaping hole in Braves lineup

The second time was not the charm for Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Profar has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs for a second time in the past year. Profar is facing a 162 game suspension, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 season and will make him ineligible for the World Baseball Classic.

The Braves had envisioned Profar as a key part of their lineup when they signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract during the 2023-24 offseason. He had appeared to have finally reached his potential with the Padres in 2023, posting a .280/.380/.459 batting line with 24 homers and 29 doubles in his 668 plate appearances. Profar was named to the All-Star Game for the first time and won a Silver Slugger for his performance.

Jurickson Profar has become a notable bust for Atlanta Braves

Profar's time in Atlanta had an auspicious start. He was suspended for 80 games on March 31, 2025 for his first violation of the league's PED policy. Profar maintained that he did not knowingly take any PEDs to cause his suspension, citing the fact that he had been tested eight times in 2024. While he was unable to replicate his success from the previous year, Profar posted a solid .245/.353/.434 batting line with 14 home runs and 16 doubles over his 371 plate appearances.

The timing of Profar's suspension could not be worse for the Braves. He was expected to be one of the table setters in the lineup, potentially hitting behind fellow outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. in the second spot. Now, the Braves need to find another option in that spot in the lineup while digging through free agency to find another outfielder.