Atlanta Braves likely to cut $42M left-field contract after PED suspensions

Two years ago the Atlanta Braves signed Jurickson Profar to a four-year, $42 million contract, hoping he would finally solve their chronic left-field problem. Instead, his time in Atlanta has been dominated by drug-policy violations: an 80-game suspension for hCG followed by a 162-game ban after a second positive test, causing him to lose his $15 million salary for the season. MLB officials confirmed both suspensions, and sources reported the full-season ban makes him the sixth player to receive such a penalty since the rule change in 2014.

Sports Talk ATL commentator Chase Irle argued the club should cut Profar to send a message and free up resources for free-agency moves. Releasing him would allow the Braves to pursue a power bat to strengthen the lineup and finally upgrade the left-field position.