The Atlanta Braves' 2025 season was already off to a nightmare start when the news dropped that Jurickson Profar would be suspended for 80 games. The outfielder used a banned substance and will not be eligible for the postseason roster, even after his late-season return. This leaves the Braves scrambling for an answer aside from Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz.
One option is late-spring signing Alex Verdugo, who will likely be given a chance to win a surprise starting job. Still, the Braves cannot be happy with their current starting options.
Unless Verdugo can turn back the clock to the player he was with the Boston Red Sox, the Braves will need to add another starter. This will likely have to wait until closer to the trade deadline. But that still shouldn't stop Atlanta from exploring a surprise reunion with a former Brave..
Braves Should Consider Yet Another Reunion With Adam Duvall
Adam Duvall was a consistent source of frustration with the Braves last season. However, the outfielder still felt comfortable demanding $3 million to continue playing. The league refused to meet the veteran's demands, and Duvall appears comfortable making good on his threat to walk away. That could quickly change based on Atlanta's level of desperation.
All of the great options are long gone, and it is far too early to expect a fair trade with every team still in the postseason race. With this in mind, it wouldn't be the worst decision to bring back Duvall and hope the veteran can improve from last season's failures. At worst, you believe Cruz, Duvall, Kelenic, and Verdugo can be platooned until Ronald Acuna Jr. can return.
After the 2023 MVP is back in the lineup, you can choose who you believe the best 1-2 options are to platoon until you can find a better answer. There is a real chance that either Verdugo or Duvall can prove to be a surprise offensive contributor. Both have had good seasons at the plate and could become surprise answers for Atlanta.
No matter what direction the Braves choose, there is no debating that the team must make a move. Profar isn't lost for most of the season, but the postseason as well. Already there were questions about your offense with Orlando Arcia's weak at-bats and your third outfielder in flux until Acuna's return.
Profar's suspension is going to force the hand of Atlanta's front office. If they are serious about contending this season, they will look for a short-term fix while waiting for the trade market to develop. Duvall could be that answer until the team finds a better option.