The Atlanta Braves' prized offseason addition lasted all of four games before being lost due to an 80-game suspension. Jurickson Profar's poor decision served as an opportunity for Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, Alex Verdugo, and Eli White to grab starting roles. With Atlanta's outfield now fully healthy, it is Verdugo who appears to have won the third role until Profar's return. Eli White and Stuart Fairchild are bench depth, with the team opting to move on from De La Cruz and Kelenic. With this in mind, the Braves would be wise to explore whether Profar has any type of trade market.
Set to return at the end of June, the outfielder can still help a team with outfield issues. One potential fit could be a return to the San Diego Padres. The team's want to add to left field has been well-covered during the recent struggles of the franchise. Would the Padres possibly consider taking on Profar's deal?
Atlanta Should Check Whether or Not Padres Would Consider Reunion with Jurickson Profar
The issue with trading Profar is the exact same problem that should have the Braves interested in making the move. Due to violating the league's banned substance list, Profar cannot be a part of any postseason roster. This means upon the outfielder's return, you're taking away at-bats from a player you will need when the games matter most.
If Atlanta can find a team willing to take on Profar's deal and simply look at the trade market or trust the duo of White and Verdugo, it is a potentially savvy move. With the lack of proven success in Profar's career, there are now a myriad of questions about what the outfielder might be when he is able to return to the active roster.
With this in mind, the Braves should be reaching out to the Padres to see if the team has any interest in a potential reunion. The current Atlanta outfielder played his best season in San Diego in 2024, being a key part of the team that was the biggest roadblock to the Los Angeles Dodgers' inevitable World Series run. Maybe this would be enough for the franchise to accept the outfielder's current deal and allow Atlanta to turn the page on a frustrating contract.