The Atlanta Braves, coming off seven consecutive playoff appearances—including a World Series title in 2021—entered the 2025 season with high expectations. However, after a sluggish offseason that saw minimal free-agent movement, the team finally made a splash on January 23, 2025, by signing former San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal.
The move was seen as a necessary step after Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered his second ACL tear, forcing him to miss the start of the season. With the four-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP sidelined until at least late May, the Braves hoped Profar’s breakout 2024 campaign—where he earned his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award—would help fill the void.
Unfortunately, that plan is already unraveling.
Despite Profar’s presence, the Braves stumbled badly out of the gate. In their four-game season-opening series against the Padres, Atlanta was swept in humiliating fashion, getting outscored 17-7 while failing to generate any offensive momentum.
Profar, facing his former team, managed just three singles and a walk in 16 plate appearances, striking out three times. The final two games were especially brutal, as the Braves failed to score a single run, extending their scoreless streak to 22 innings heading into a matchup with the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Then, things went from bad to worse.
On Monday, just as the Braves were looking for answers, they were hit with an even bigger blow—Profar had tested positive for a banned substance under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, according to an ESPN report.
The $42 million outfielder has now been suspended 80 games, meaning he won’t be eligible to return until June 29, when the Braves play their 85th game of the season. Unless Profar successfully appeals, Atlanta will be without its key offseason acquisition for half the season, adding yet another hurdle for a team already reeling.
In a statement quoted by ESPN, Profar described Monday as “the most difficult day of my baseball career.” He insisted he had been tested eight times in 2024 without a single positive result and expressed deep frustration over the situation.
No further details on the banned substance or potential appeal had been made available by Monday afternoon.
Profar was set to earn $12 million in the 2025 season, but due to MLB’s policy, he will forfeit nearly half of that salary as a result of the unpaid suspension.
For the Braves, the loss of Profar is a crushing setback. With Acuña Jr. still months away from returning and the offense already sputtering, Atlanta’s front office must now scramble for solutions. The timing of the suspension only intensifies the pressure on manager Brian Snitker, who is now facing increased scrutiny after the team’s 0-4 start.
According to Fansided’s Braves reporter Chris Schad, Snitker’s job could be in jeopardy if Atlanta fails to turn things around soon.
As the Braves try to salvage their early-season struggles, one thing is clear—their $42 million investment has already become a major problem.
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