Jurickson Profar is staring down a brutal 162-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in the last year, and this bombshell is ripping through the Atlanta Braves’ offseason plans. With the team already prioritizing starting pitching, a significant hole just opened up in left field that absolutely needs to be addressed.
Profar’s Problem, Atlanta’s Predicament
This isn’t some minor slap on the wrist. Profar, at 33, is facing a full season ban and is set to forfeit his entire $15 million salary, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Passan pointed out that Profar is the sixth player since 2014 to get a 162-game suspension for being a two-time PED offender. It’s a tough situation, to say the least, especially considering he “missed more games than he has played” for the Braves due to multiple suspensions already.
Last season, the team was forced to lean on utility man Mauricio Dubón as their primary left fielder. That just shows you the bind they were in. Now, with this latest news, it’s pretty clear Profar’s time in Atlanta is done. Braves reporter Mark Bowman was blunt, writing, “Profar certainly won’t be back in the clubhouse after performance-enhancing drug suspensions the last two years. So finding a right-handed-hitting outfielder stands at the top of the must-do list.” That means Atlanta needs to find someone who can join Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II in the outfield, and fast.
Luis Robert Jr. A High-Risk, High-Reward Bet?
So, who could step into that huge void? Sports Illustrated’s Roman Janeiro has a name on the radar: Luis Robert Jr. He thinks the Braves might take a shot on the veteran. Robert was placed on waivers by New York, but before that, he had a crazy hot 19-game stretch in August. He absolutely caught fire, hitting .311 with six homers, including a two-homer game against his former team. Janeiro is all over it, saying, “That may be a small sample size, but it showed that Robert still has some juice in his bat. The athleticism is still there. The speed is still there. He is a natural center fielder who possesses the versatility to play all three outfield positions. Plus, he doesn’t turn 30 until August.”
The biggest draw, though? His price has reportedly dropped. Robert earned $20 million last season playing for the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. Janeiro highlighted this, stating, “His price has dropped, and while it’s a risk-and-reward call, he’s a much more frugal option compared to Arozarena or Suzuki. That would allow the Braves to keep money free for starting pitching.” That’s huge, because while Robert brings a ton of talent and strong defense, the biggest red flag is his injury history. He missed significant time last season, which is definitely a concern.
Atlanta has a history of taking chances on players looking to revive their careers, and Robert Jr. certainly fits that mold, offering both talented hitting and strong defense if he can stay on the field. The organization needs multiple starting pitchers, so snagging an affordable, high-upside outfielder like Robert Jr. could be the move that frees up cash to truly bolster their rotation. It’s a calculated gamble, but one that could pay off big if they get it right this offseason.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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