The Atlanta Braves are off to a disastrous start in the 2025 MLB season, still winless after six games. To make matters worse, their biggest offseason signing, Jurickson Profar, has been handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
In response to Profar’s suspension, the Braves quickly acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild and also signed veteran Alex Verdugo as insurance before the season began. These two are expected to hold down the outfield until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns.
While Profar will be eligible to return midseason, his suspension makes him ineligible for the playoffs. This has sparked discussions about whether Atlanta should pursue a major addition to their outfield. Newsweek’s Drew VonScio believes the Braves should target Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
“[The Braves] need to go out and get a big-name bat. Luis Robert Jr. would be the ideal fit for them,” wrote VonScio.
Robert, a Gold Glove-winning center fielder, hit 38 home runs and drove in 80 RBIs for the White Sox in 2023. Although he had a down year in 2024, if Atlanta believes he can bounce back, he could provide a much-needed offensive boost. With Michael Harris locked in at center field, Robert could shift to left, where Profar was expected to play.
Even if Robert doesn’t return to his All-Star form, he would likely be an upgrade over Fairchild and Verdugo. However, a trade seems unlikely. The Braves took a conservative approach in free agency this past offseason, and it’s doubtful they’ll shift gears now, especially with an 0-6 record. The front office may wait to see if the current roster can turn things around before making a big move.
Financially, Atlanta does have some flexibility, as Profar won’t be paid during his suspension. However, acquiring Robert would require a significant trade package, and the Braves would need to pay both him and Profar once the latter returns in late June.
The MLB announced that Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that stimulates testosterone production, violating the league’s drug policy.
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