Just when it appeared Atlanta's miserable start to the season couldn't get any worse, things continue to sink. First, manager Brian Snitker hinted at retirement in what would be something of a surprise move. This news was followed by the unfortunate suspension of left fielder Jurickson Profar. The outfielder was Atlanta's lone headline addition in the 2025 offseason, and is now lost for 80-games and if the Braves are eligible, the postseason.
Profar will be a valuable second-half addition, but not a player that is going to impact winning at a meaningful level in the 2025 season. It is a frustrating end to what seemed to be a perfect signing from Atlanta. While two years remain on the contract Profar's 2025 impact is already decided. This leaves the Braves searching for outfield production and could open up a surprise starting job for a late spring addition.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is being suspended for 80 games for violating MLB’s PED policy, sources confirm to ESPN. First with the news was @mikedeportes.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 31, 2025
One of the more surprising moves of Atlanta's late spring roster decisions was signing veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo. The veteran remained a free agent due to a truly awful season with the New York Yankees. However, the 2024 struggles were the outlier in what had been a productive career with the Dodgers and Red Sox.
Now Atlanta's misfortune is likely going to serve as an opportunity for Verdugo to breathe life back into his career. It is no longer about simply surviving until Ronald Acuna Jr. is able to return and complete Atlanta's starting outfield. There are now two starting spots up for grabs, with one being a long-term and possible postseason answer.
Jurickson Profar's decision is a frustrating one that ruins Atlanta's biggest offseason addition and further mars the start to the season. However, there is no reason to panic just yet. This is still a great roster that had a fallback plan in place in Alex Verdugo. Atlanta's front office has a history of being able to make up for losses of key pieces as well.
With the sky falling, now isn't the time to give up on Atlanta, but rather to buy low on a team that is still going to be a force in the National League. They simply are going to have to find an answer other than Jurickson Profar, and perhaps that will be veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo.