For the Atlanta Braves, the 2026 season was viewed as an opportunity to limit distractions and bounce back stronger than ever. The 2025 season was the team’s worst in a decade, and Atlanta missed the playoffs.
However, the noise began in spring training with injuries and a suspension. Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season after testing positive for PEDs.
“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,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.
Heading into the offseason, it is clear what Atlanta will likely be looking for: a left fielder.
“Left field is another place where the Braves should be looking to upgrade this winter. It’s been a problem area in Atlanta for years, and there’s just no way they can enter another season relying on Jurickson Profar. The Braves would be wise to send a message by cutting him this offseason,” Sports Talk ATL’s Chase Irle wrote.
Profar’s contract has become one of the most disappointing in Braves history. Irle believes the organization should pursue veteran outfielder Ian Happ instead of a player like Randy Arozarena.
“One of the most consistent presences of the last decade, all Happ does is show up every season, post an OPS around .800, and win a Gold Glove. His numbers were down a little this season — .218 with 24 homers and a .738 OPS — but he’s still a really solid veteran who would be a considerable upgrade over what the Braves have continually trotted out in left field over the last four seasons. He should also be much more affordable than Arozarena and Suzuki, though he’ll require a multi-year deal,” Irle wrote.
Happ would give Atlanta a reliable, consistent option in left field, whether as an everyday starter or as part of a platoon with a player like Mike Yastrzemski. The Braves are looking to fill the void in left field after Profar wasted his second chance.
Happ is finishing a $61 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. The veteran outfielder could be the type of player Atlanta has been searching for in left field for some time. His arrival would also give the Braves a chance to move on from Profar for good.
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