Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. A classic quote that the Atlanta Braves feel on a deep level following Jurickson Profar's second positive PED test in less than a year. In an attempt to lengthen an already dangerous lineup, Atlanta signed the switch hitting outfielder to a three-year deal worth $42 million. After playing just 80 games in a Braves jersey, Profar's time in Atlanta may already be coming to an end.
After the first PED offense in 2025, Profar owned up to his actions but claimed his use was never intentional. "I didn't take anything on purpose," Profar said after his return, per MLB. "I had a problem with my knee. The thing I asked for was normal, something I had taken before when I had my shoulder ailment. But the test came back that it had a banned substance in it."
Profar faced an 80-game suspension for his first offense and after that had expired, he immediately proved the positive impact he could have for the Braves offense by going deep in his Truist Park debut.
With history repeating itself in the worst way possible for Atlanta, Profar is now facing a full-season suspension (162 games). While the Braves may have given Profar the benefit of the doubt the first time around, it seems obvious the fans in Atlanta and the organization itself will not buy any excuses Profar tries to claim.
Braves likely to move on from Jurickson Profar
We could potentially be looking at one of the worst free agent signings in Atlanta Braves history, maybe even in MLB history. When Alex Anthopoulos brought Profar to Atlanta, it seemed that he would be a great complimentary switch-hitter in a lineup with Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. The fact that Profar can be so versatile in the field made him a great fit as well.
It turns out that Profar's actions off the field will likely have him looking for a job for a long time. The MLBPA plans to appeal Profar's current 162-game suspension but it has been over a decade since a ruling such as this one has been overturned.
Major League Baseball is looked at as a business on so many occasions and the thought of Atlanta eating what remains on Profar's contract has to be sickening for that front office. However, actions have consequences, especially when the same major mistake happens multiple times. There is some controversy surrounding this situation that is bringing individuals to believe that Profar should simply be banned from the MLB for life altogether. The thought of welcoming him back to the Braves would be a slippery slope most would not want to touch with a ten foot pole.
Now that Opening Day is just right around the corner, it will be interesting to see if the Braves choose to roll with their current roster or attempt to compensate for their devestating loss through a very watered-down free agent market.