Braves Predicted to Sign $38M Cy Young-Caliber Arm After Profar Suspension

Atlanta's rotation hit by injuries, Profar suspension opens up funds to address pitching needs.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a blow with injuries to young pitchers Hurston Waldrep and Jacob Schwellenbach, as well as the season-long suspension of designated hitter Jurickson Profar for a second positive PED test. However, the Profar suspension has freed up $15 million in salary that the Braves could use to sign a top-tier starting pitcher like Lucas Giolito to bolster their rotation.

Why it matters

The Braves' pitching injuries and Profar's suspension have left their rotation thin, putting their chances of returning to the playoffs at risk. Signing a proven, Cy Young-caliber arm like Giolito could help offset those losses and keep the Braves competitive in the NL East.

The details

Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" in his arm after an MRI revealed no ligament damage, while Schwellenbach also suffered an injury earlier in spring training. Profar's 162-game suspension for a second positive PED test will cost him his $15 million salary, which the Braves could now use to sign a free agent pitcher like Giolito, who is still available on the market.

  • Waldrep's injury was reported on March 5, 2026.
  • Profar's suspension was announced on March 7, 2026.

The players

Hurston Waldrep

A young Braves pitcher who may need surgery after suffering an arm injury.

Jurickson Profar

The Braves' designated hitter who was suspended for the 2026 season after a second positive PED test.

Lucas Giolito

A free agent starting pitcher who could be a target for the Braves to sign with the funds freed up by Profar's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“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, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

“The Braves also need pitching. Injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep have left their rotation thin, so they could use the money from Profar's $15 million salary (and the $3 million in luxury taxes from the 20% tax they would've paid on the deal) on one of the unsigned starting pitchers, such as Lucas Giolito.”

— Buster Olney, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Braves will likely need to make a decision on signing a free agent starting pitcher like Lucas Giolito before the end of spring training as roster cuts continue.

The takeaway

The Braves' pitching injuries and Profar's suspension have created a significant hole in their rotation, but the $15 million freed up from Profar's contract could allow them to sign a top-tier starter like Lucas Giolito to help offset those losses and keep them competitive in the NL East.