The Atlanta Braves have had a rocky start to the 2025 season, falling short of the high expectations set for them. The team had hoped to compete for the National League East title and secure a playoff spot for the eighth consecutive year.
Although those goals remain within reach, the path ahead is challenging. The Braves currently hold a 25-27 record and trail the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies by 8.5 games. One of the most notable letdowns for the team this year has been veteran outfielder Jurickson Profar. After being named a 2024 All-Star, Profar joined Atlanta in the offseason with a three-year, $42 million contract.
However, Profar has only played in four games and is serving a suspension that will keep him out for the majority of the season. In his brief time on the field, the 32-year-old has struggled, batting just .200.
As a result, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly gave the signing a failing grade, citing concerns about Profar’s late-career breakout and performance-enhancing drug suspension:
“It’s unusual for a player to have a career-best season at 31, especially after posting a -1.6 WAR the year before while playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field,” Kelly noted. “After just four games with Atlanta, Profar was suspended 80 games for testing positive for hCG, a banned substance. While he’s expected to return later in the regular season, the suspension makes him ineligible for the playoffs. There’s a chance he can bounce back, but given the circumstances, there’s reason to doubt what he’ll contribute moving forward.”
Ultimately, Profar still has time to justify his contract, but his future—and the Braves’—will depend on whether the team is still in playoff contention when he returns. The coming months will be pivotal for Atlanta’s long-term outlook.
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