Jurickson Profar's Future With Atlanta Braves Takes New Turn

The Atlanta Braves have a decision that is going to be a huge talking point throughout the entire offseason. Jurickson Profar is under contract for $15 million in 2027, and the organization still has not decided what to do with him. This week, two reporters offered very different takes on where things stand.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com wrote on Tuesday that Profar "wouldn't be welcomed back in that clubhouse."

The Athletic's Jesus Cano offered a different tidbit just days earlier, suggesting a return is not off the table despite reservations from some teammates. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has said the organization needs internal discussions before any decision is made.

Profar signed with Atlanta before the 2025 season after hitting .280 with an .839 OPS, 24 home runs and 85 RBIs for the San Diego Padres.

His first season in Atlanta started off rocky as he was hit with an 80-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs. He returned on July 2 and hit .245 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games.

In March 2026, Profar received a 162-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs once again. The second violation cost him the entire 2026 season and his $15 million salary. The final year of his deal remains guaranteed.

Atlanta moved on without him. The Braves finished 94-68, won the NL East by six games over the Philadelphia Phillies and reached the NLDS before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games.

Drake Baldwin hit .284 with 25 home runs and an .817 OPS. Matt Olson led the team with 41 home runs across 162 games. Ronald Acuna Jr. added 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 107 games. The offense was solid, even if they struggled in October.

That is the core of the problem for Profar. Atlanta proved it can produce without him, the clubhouse apparently does not want him back, and he is coming off two PED suspensions in two years. The case for cutting him is clear.

However, there are a few reasons to keep him around if the clubhouse is open to it. He is owed $15 million either way.

A trade is incredibly unlikely after back-to-back suspensions. If Profar is clean and healthy, he is still a former All-Star and could fill a corner outfield spot the Braves desperately need to address. Releasing that contract without getting anything back is a tough call.