Atlanta Braves Remain Undecided on Jurickson Profar's Future

The Atlanta Braves have not decided whether to bring back Jurickson Profar for the final season of his three-year contract. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos made that clear during his end-of-season press conference, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. 

Atlanta will hold internal discussions about whether Profar should return in 2027. Anthopoulos will eventually announce a final decision, acknowledging the complexity of the situation given what has happened over the past two seasons.

Profar signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Atlanta in January 2025 after an All-Star season with the San Diego Padres. He played just four games before receiving an 80-game suspension in 2025.

After returning, he hit .248 with a .358 on-base percentage and .803 OPS across 76 games, finishing with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. Then in March 2026, he received a 162-game suspension after a second positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance, ruling him out for the entire regular season and postseason.

The case for moving on is pretty straightforward. Two suspensions in consecutive seasons forced Atlanta to adjust its outfield plans twice. That may not go over well with his teammates, with most of them having to step up because of him.

Trusting that Profar can remain available and comply with league rules for a third year is a real leap of faith. The Braves could also use that roster spot to pursue a more dependable outfield option this winter. There is also no guarantee that he returns to the All-Star level that he showed in 2024. He will be 34 years old when the 2027 season starts, an age that hitters typically regress.

The case for keeping him is built fully on upside. His .787 OPS after returning in 2025 showed what he can do as a switch-hitter when available, and replacing everyday outfield production on the open market is expensive, especially this year in a weak free agent class. The final year of his contract is already committed money, as well.

The Braves have not made their call on Profar. But it is going to be an important decision this offseason in determining who they go after in free agency. If they move on, that roster spot could be redirected toward a more reliable outfield option.

If they bring him back, they are betting on a 34-year-old with a complicated recent history to finally stay on the field and contribute for the first time in over two years.