Braves Urged to Part Ways with $42M NL Silver Slugger Amid Suspension

Veteran All-Star Jurickson Profar faces 162-game ban for second PED violation

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are facing a difficult decision regarding veteran designated hitter Jurickson Profar, who is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year. Profar's contract, worth $15 million per year, is widely considered the worst free agent signing in Braves history, and the team is now being urged to part ways with the former NL Silver Slugger.

Why it matters

Profar's suspension is a major setback for the Braves, who were counting on the veteran's production in their lineup. The team now has to decide whether to trade Profar and hope another team is willing to take on some of the contract, or simply release him outright. This decision will have significant implications for the Braves' roster and payroll as they look to compete in the 2026 season.

The details

Profar, 33, was initially an exciting signing for the Braves, but his repeated PED violations have turned the deal into a major headache for the organization. With Profar not receiving any of his $15 million salary due to the suspension, the Braves are in no rush to act, but they will likely need to make a decision once there is clarity on the 2027 season and labor negotiations.

  • Profar was suspended for the second consecutive season on March 10, 2026.
  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in a couple of weeks.

The players

Jurickson Profar

A 33-year-old designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves who is facing a 162-game suspension for a second positive PED test.

Atlanta Braves

The professional baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia that signed Profar to a lucrative free agent contract that is now considered one of the worst in franchise history.

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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 (Sporting News)

“The Braves don't have to take any action for a while. With Profar not getting a dime of his 2026 salary thanks to his suspension, and with a looming labor negotiation battle approaching in 2027, Atlanta is fine to leave their worst free agent signing in recent history rot on the restricted list and see if a lockout can knock off any more of the $15 million they still owe him.”

— Mitchell Barbee, Writer (HTHB)

What’s next

The Braves are expected to act if Profar's suspension is upheld after the Players Association's appeal. If the ruling stands, Atlanta will likely be done with him for good.

The takeaway

Profar's repeated PED violations have turned what was once an exciting signing for the Braves into a major headache for the organization. The team now faces a difficult decision on whether to trade or release the veteran designated hitter, with significant implications for their roster and payroll as they look to compete in 2026.