Braves Seek Veteran Outfielder to Replace Suspended Profar

Atlanta looks to add experienced hitter like Andrew McCutchen after losing Jurickson Profar to 162-game PED ban

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The Atlanta Braves are in need of a new outfielder after Jurickson Profar was suspended for 162 games due to a second positive PED test. With limited options available in free agency this late in Spring Training, the team is considering veteran hitters like Andrew McCutchen to fill the void at designated hitter.

Why it matters

Profar's suspension is a major setback for the Braves, who were counting on him to provide production in the middle of their lineup. Finding a suitable replacement on short notice will be crucial for the team's playoff hopes this season.

The details

Profar, 33, is facing the 162-game ban after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year. The Braves will now need to find an experienced outfielder to take his place, with options like McCutchen, Max Kepler, and Tommy Pham being considered. McCutchen, a 5-time All-Star, could provide a steady presence at DH despite being near the end of his career.

  • On March 3, 2026, Jurickson Profar was suspended for 162 games due to a second positive PED test.
  • Profar was preparing to compete in the World Baseball Classic before the suspension was announced.

The players

Jurickson Profar

A 33-year-old outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended for 162 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year.

Andrew McCutchen

A veteran outfielder who the Braves are considering signing to fill the void left by Profar's suspension.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, who now faces the challenge of finding a replacement for Profar on short notice.

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What they’re saying

“Considering the context and circumstances – with the slim chance based on precedent that a 162-game suspension isn't forthcoming – I can confidently say that Jurickson Profar is the worst free-agent signing in Braves history.”

— Grant McAuley, Braves reporter

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary.”

— Jeff Passan

“The good news is that the Braves now have a bunch of unexpected money to play with. The bad news is that, well, there aren't many places to spend it on March 3. A veteran outfielder like Max Kepler or Tommy Pham might make some sense, and Andrew McCutchen is looking to move on from the Pirates and has plenty of experience at DH (though he comes with less positional flexibility). All of them would offer a higher floor and a higher ceiling than Smith or any of the other options the Braves are currently looking at.”

— Chris Landers

What’s next

The Braves will need to act quickly to sign a veteran outfielder like McCutchen to replace Profar before the start of the season.

The takeaway

Profar's second PED suspension is a major blow to the Braves, forcing them to scramble to find a replacement on short notice. Adding an experienced hitter like McCutchen could help offset the loss, but the team will need to navigate a challenging situation as they aim to return to the playoffs.