The Atlanta Braves are still reeling after last week’s news that Jurickson Profar will be suspended for PED use once again. Last season, Profar missed half the year due to a PED suspension. This time, however, he faces a full-season ban as it is his second offense.
“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 wrote.
The Braves have yet to release a full statement, as there remains a possibility that Profar’s suspension could be overturned.
“The Players Association plans to challenge MLB’s intention to suspend Jurickson Profar for 162 games, source tells The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal posted.
With Profar’s salary no longer an immediate burden, the Braves could explore other moves to bolster their roster, particularly in the outfield. One potential target is St. Louis Cardinals’ Lars Nootbaar.
“The Atlanta Braves would have a strong incentive to trade for Lars Nootbaar by sending Bryce Elder and John Gil to the St. Louis Cardinals because of their pressing need in the outfield following Jurickson Profar’s suspension for the entire season. Nootbaar would provide a reliable everyday option to fill that void, bringing strong on-base skills, solid defensive ability, and the versatility to play multiple outfield positions. His left-handed bat would also help balance a lineup anchored by power hitters like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, making it harder for opposing teams to exploit matchups,” SI’s Ryan Shea wrote.
Trading John Gil is notable, as he has been making waves in Spring Training. Bryce Elder is also a less-than-certain asset, though he could still be useful.
Given that the Cardinals are in a rebuild, the trade makes long-term sense for both teams. For the Braves, acquiring Nootbaar would fill a critical void in the outfield and strengthen their lineup overall.
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