How the Atlanta Braves opt to approach this year's trade deadline will likely be determined in the next weeks of the season. Rebounding from the rough start to the season is going to be required for Atlanta to be aggressive in spending players attempting to make a postseason push. At the very least, the Braves need to claw back close to .500 to show the front office the season is far from lost.
When looking at potential trade chips and players Atlanta might choose to move away from, one interesting option stands out.
Jurickson Profar's suspension completely changed his standing with the organization. This is an obvious sentiment for a player who has no history in Atlanta. If Profar was an established veteran, the sentiment would be different. Not to say there wouldn't be a healthy level of frustration, but likely a higher level of grace. Performance breeds tolerance, and if the veteran had proved himself invaluable, the team would still have a level of hope.
Could Jurickson Profar's Time in Atlanta Be Coming to an End?
This isn't the case with the fanbase having a high level of frustration with the selfish decision. With this in mind, it is fair to wonder if there is any potential market for Profar. While the team wouldn't likely land an impact player in return, it could be considered enough to dump a portion of the contract. Profar is under contract for not only this season but the next two as well.
The outfielder's deal leaves $15 million in both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. At the very least, this demands the Braves reach out and find if there is anyone willing to take on the deal. The counter to this is the looming question no one wants to ask: Is last year's breakout season for Profar in any way due to breaking the league's policy? It is an answer that only Profar himself can answer, with the team clearly having no indication of any concerns when they signed the veteran to the three-year pact.
Whether or not there is a market for Profar, it is undeniably clear that the Braves regret the offseason signing. If given a path to escape the deal, it is unlikely the team wouldn't take it. Already, you're stuck with one frustrating outfielder in Jarred Kelenic. Atlanta would be lucky to escape the contract and take a run at finding another starting outfielder either ahead of the trade deadline or in next year's free agency class. Could Profar's time in Atlanta end after only three games?