Rangers Sign $1M MVP, Gold Glove Winner to Replace Braves' Profar

Atlanta misses out on veteran outfielder as Texas lands free agent deal.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves were unable to sign veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen after their designated hitter Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season due to a second positive PED test. The Texas Rangers have instead reached an agreement with McCutchen on a one-year contract worth $1 million to fill their outfield needs.

Why it matters

The Braves are now left with fewer options to replace Profar's production in the lineup, as McCutchen was seen as a potential fit. Atlanta may have to get creative to fill the void left by Profar's suspension, which will cost the team his $15 million salary for the upcoming season.

The details

Profar, the 2024 Silver Slugger, was hit with his second suspension for PED use and will now have to sit out the entire 2026 season without pay. The Braves were reportedly interested in signing the 39-year-old McCutchen, who is coming off a season in which he hit .239/.333/.367 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the Rangers were able to outbid Atlanta and sign McCutchen to a one-year, $1 million contract.

  • On Tuesday, ESPN reported that Jurickson Profar would be suspended for the entire 2026 season due to a second positive PED test.
  • On Thursday, it was revealed that the Texas Rangers had signed veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a one-year, $1 million contract.

The players

Jurickson Profar

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

Andrew McCutchen

The veteran outfielder who signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Texas Rangers after the Braves were unable to sign him.

Texas Rangers

The MLB team that signed Andrew McCutchen to a one-year contract to replace their outfield needs.

Atlanta Braves

The MLB team that was unable to sign Andrew McCutchen after their designated hitter Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“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)

“Pirates great Andrew McCutchen finds a home with the Texas Rangers, who are signing him to a one-year contract, per Evan Grant.”

— Bob Nightengale (USA Today)

What’s next

The Braves will need to explore other options to replace Jurickson Profar's production in the lineup, as the veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has signed with the Texas Rangers.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges teams face when dealing with player suspensions, as the Braves are now left with fewer options to fill the void left by Profar's absence. The Rangers' signing of McCutchen also demonstrates the competitive nature of the free agent market, where teams must be willing to outbid their rivals to secure top talent.