It seems like the Atlanta Braves feel cheated. Outfielder Jurickson Profar (32), who was acquired last winter in free agency, has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. Known for not wasting money, Atlanta has been hit hard from the start of the season and is now in a shocking five-game losing streak.
On the 1st (Korean time), Major League Baseball's office stated that Profar, whose use of performance-enhancing drugs was revealed, was handed an 80-game suspension. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was detected, which is used to mask steroid use in doping tests. This is the same substance that Manny Ramirez tested positive for during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, leading to a 50-game suspension.
Through the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), Profar said, "This is the hardest day of my baseball career. I have undergone banned substance tests eight times, including last season, but have never tested positive. Although I did not intend to take any drugs, I fully accept and respect MLB's decision" and expressed, "I am very sorry that I will not be able to play with my teammates for the next 80 games. I apologize to the Atlanta organization, all my teammates, and the fans."
If there are no interrupted games, Profar can return for the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 30. He will not receive his salary during the suspension period. His salary this year is $12 million, of which he will lose $5,806,440. Even if Atlanta advances to the postseason, Profar will not be able to play due to the suspension.
While this is a significant loss for Profar personally, he must accept this as his fault. On the other hand, for Atlanta, which acquired Profar for $42 million over three years last January, equivalent to about 6.18 billion won, this is a shock. The Athletic reported, "Atlanta has been significantly impacted. Profar was acquired last January for $42 million over three years, the only multi-year contract for Atlanta in the offseason," adding, "Atlanta used Profar as the starting left fielder, and due to Ronald Acuña Jr.'s rehabilitation after knee surgery, he used him as the leadoff batter in all four opening games."
It was further explained that "after Profar had a career-high season with the San Diego Padres in 2024, the baseball community whispered warnings rather than openly criticizing him. However, after training with Fernando Tatis Jr. and his father last winter, Atlanta noted that Profar adjusted his lower body movements at the plate, enhancing his overall power and hitting."
Profar, a switch-hitting outfielder born in Curacao, Netherlands, was initially regarded as a top prospect for the Texas Rangers but did not meet expectations and became a journeyman, moving from team to team. However, last year he played 158 games for San Diego, batting .280 (158 hits in 564 at-bats), with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, earning an All-Star selection and entering free agency. Concerns about his burst of performance were raised, but Atlanta, known for its exceptional player evaluations and contracts, secured Profar with a three-year deal.
Atlanta is known for not wasting money. Under the leadership of President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, they extended Ronald Acuña Jr., who won Rookie of the Year in 2018, for eight years at $100 million before the next season, and not long after that extended All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies for seven years at $35 million (including team options for 2026-2027, a maximum of $45 million over nine years). As Acuña blossomed into an MVP and Albies into a Silver Slugger, these contracts are considered some of the best team-friendly deals. Players who earn less than their worth have described them as "slave contracts."
Third baseman Austin Riley ($212 million over 10 years), outfielder Michael Harris II ($72 million over eight years), and pitcher Spencer Strider ($75 million over six years) are among the promising young players with whom Anthopoulos established long-term extensions early on, laying the foundation for a sustainable powerhouse, but now has been impacted by Profar's situation. Before the revelation of the banned substance, Profar had a poor performance in the opening four games, batting .200 (3 hits in 15 at-bats), with one walk and three strikeouts, and an OPS of .450.
Atlanta has been hit by compounding setbacks, including starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez being placed on the injured list due to right shoulder pain. The team lost all four games to San Diego in the opening series. The shock of a five-game losing streak also included a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on the day Profar's suspension was announced, falling 1-6. Until Michael Harris II hit a solo home run in the eighth inning, the lineup had been in serious decline, scoring no runs for 29 consecutive innings.
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker noted, "In baseball, you can always find something bad. But to keep moving forward, you need to find the positive side," adding, "While Profar is gone, it can be a good opportunity for someone else."
Meanwhile, Atlanta moved to reinforce their outfield before the announcement of the MLB penalty. They acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds in a cash trade. Alex Verdugo, who signed a free agent deal worth $1.5 million last week, is also expected to be called up sooner. Verdugo, whose contract was delayed, is starting the season in Triple-A to sharpen his game.
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