Overview
- MLB suspended Jurickson Profar for 162 games after a positive test for exogenous testosterone, his second PED violation, costing him his $15 million 2026 salary and World Baseball Classic eligibility.
- The MLBPA has appealed, but as a second-time offender Profar must sit during the process, which could take weeks or months according to reporting on the arbitration timeline.
- Atlanta is planning as if Profar will not return, with Mike Yastrzemski moving into a starting outfield role and Drake Baldwin expected to take significant designated hitter at-bats while Jonah Heim helps cover at catcher.
- Spring injuries to Sean Murphy (hip), Ha-Seong Kim (finger), and starters Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have heightened the need for reliable offense and rotation depth.
- With salary and roughly $3 million in luxury-tax exposure off the books, the Braves are evaluating external options such as free agents Lucas Giolito for pitching and hitters like Tommy Pham or Andrew McCutchen, with a cautious approach as camps trim rosters.