The Atlanta Braves are aiming to make the playoffs after missing out last season. The challenge, however, began in Spring Training with injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. On Tuesday, Jurickson Profar became the latest setback, as his season is now likely coming to an end—leading some to call him the worst signing in Braves history.
“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,” Braves reporter Grant McAuley wrote.
Profar is facing a 162-game suspension for PED use, the same reason he was suspended in 2025. The timing is especially unfortunate as Profar had been preparing to compete in the World Baseball Classic.
“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.
With Profar sidelined, the Braves will need an outfielder to fill the void, and Andrew McCutchen could be a strong option.
“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,” FanSided’s Chris Landers wrote.
While McCutchen is nearing the end of his career, he would provide a solid DH option over someone like Dominic Smith. The Profar suspension puts the Braves in a difficult spot, forcing them to adjust plans they had already set for the season.
Adding McCutchen would also bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse alongside Chris Sale. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos now faces the prospect of navigating his second consecutive season full of unpredictability.
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