The Atlanta Braves have a major problem to address this winter as they look to find consistency in left field. The position was supposed to belong to Jurickson Profar for the past two seasons, but the former All-Star was caught using performance-enhancing drugs.
That has put Atlanta in a difficult position, as the team planned for the power-hitting outfielder to be a fixture in left field. Instead, Profar has been suspended twice.
“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.
The Braves have several directions they could take this offseason, but adding an established star could be an appealing option. Sports Talk ATL’s Chase Irle believes Atlanta should sign Seiya Suzuki.
“Seiya Suzuki would be another home run signing. He’s done nothing but rake since signing with the Chicago Cubs, boasting an .823 OPS over his five-year career. If the Braves were able to land either one, their lineup would look like the best in baseball,” Irle wrote.
However, signing Suzuki may not be easy, as the Toronto Blue Jays are also expected to pursue him in free agency.
“The Blue Jays didn’t make the playoffs this year, so they are already in offseason mode. Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports that the Jays are expected to pursue outfielder Seiya Suzuki when he hits free agency about a month from now,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald wrote.
The Braves may need to make a significant investment in left field this winter to establish themselves as serious World Series contenders. The position lacked consistent production this season, with Profar’s absence playing a role in the team’s struggles.
Suzuki is coming to the end of his $85 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Moving to left field might not be his ideal role, but he has the talent to make the transition if he signs with Atlanta.
More MLB news:
