In baseball, curveballs aren’t just for the pitcher—they hit teams, too. The Atlanta Braves are feeling stint after Jurickson Profar‘s 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The unexpected blow has left a gaping hole in their outfield, and fans are asking: So, who’s stepping up to fill the void?
Profar’s suspension came after testing positive for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a banned substance. The 32-year-old outfielder, who signed a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta, insists he never knowingly used a banned substance. “Today is the toughest day of my baseball life,” Profar said in his statement, expressing regret and taking full responsibility. His absence is a big hit for the Braves, who were counting on him to be a key contributor this season. But baseball has a way of surprising us. Enter Alex Verdugo—yes, the former Yankees slugger and Aaron Judge’s teammate.
MLB expert Jon Heyman sparked rumors with a tweet about Verdugo joining the Braves on a modest $1.5 million deal. At first glance, it seemed like just another minor move in the grand scheme of trades. Yet as the season unfolds, fans are starting to see why this signing might be a stroke of genius. Sometimes, the best solutions come from the most unexpected places.
This turns out to be a very fortuitous signing https://t.co/Wc5NupjAxO
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 31, 2025
The Yankees were quick to respond to Profar’s absence. Instead of wasting much time, they signed Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett to recover his form after missing much of spring training amid this upheaval. Known for his adaptability and defensive ability, Verdugo had a difficult 2024 season with the New York Yankees, averaging .233. Though his performance suffered, his .272 career average and expertise across all outfield positions qualify him as a strong candidate to cover for Profar’s absence. Verdugo’s bat is a potential weapon in Atlanta’s arsenal.
Jurickson Profar’s suspension makes Alex Verdugo key to Braves’ outfield
Sometimes the backup plan becomes the major event. Suddenly screaming “game-changer,” the Braves quietly signed Verdugo, a move first considered logical depth, a safety net in a sea of uncertainty. But just when things seemed stable, Profar’s shocking suspension changed everything. Then “depth” became a lifeline rather than merely a luxury. Was this front office insight, or merely chance events? As usual in baseball, the answer is a combination of both.
At first, acquiring Verdugo seemed sensible to increase the Braves’ outfield depth. However, the team’s outfield options looked limited since Ronald Acuña Jr. was healing from an ACL tear and was not expected back until May. And, Profar was nursing a wrist injury. Verdugo’s adaptability and expertise served as a safety net, ensuring the club had a reliable backup ready to go should the need arise.
However, the scene changed drastically. This unanticipated turn of events highlights the volatility clubs experience during the season as Alex Verdugo moves from a depth piece to a potential daily starter. In this regard, the Braves’ previous decision to sign Verdugo seems more like a foresighted approach to mitigate unforeseen challenges than a desperate one.
Mid-season adjustments have historically proven crucial for teams hoping for postseason success. For example, the Milwaukee Brewers improved their lineup for the playoff campaign by acquiring first baseman Carlos Santana and outfielder Mark Canha during the 2023 trade deadline, addressing offensive weaknesses. Similarly, even before the season started, the Braves’ proactive signing of Verdugo showcased a commitment to maintaining roster flexibility and competition.
The playoffs demand depth and experience. Is picking Alex Verdugo in place of Jurickson Profar a change in the dynamics?
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