Braves finally get much needed payroll clarity after Jurickson Profar appeal decision

At this point, no Atlanta Braves fan is clamoring to see Jurickson Profar play for the team ever again. After receiving his second PED suspension in as many years since joining the Braves, everyone seems to be ready to move on, even if there is some uncertainty as to what that could look like. However, moving on at all wasn't possible until Profar's appeals process was finished, and there were rumors that it could take a long time. Thankfully, that decision came down on Thursday.

Getting a PED suspension reduced or overruled altogether is extremely difficult. Testing procedures are usually very strictly followed, and the burden of proof is on the player to provide proof that something is clearly wrong with the test or how his sample was handled. Aside from Ryan Braun dragging one drug testing official. through the mud, that does not work often at all.

All of that meant that since Profar's suspension was announced, the Braves didn't actually know if they would have to pay him in 2026 since he immediately declared his intention to appeal. Given that, that could free up $18ish million (depending on your view on the luxury tax) or not, that is not a small amount of money that could significantly change Atlanta's plans. On Thursday, it was confirmed that Profar's suspension stands, and he will indeed miss the entire 2026 season.

Just because Jurickson Profar's suspension stands after appeal, but don't expect a Braves spending spree

Profar's appeal was always a Hail Mary sort of move. Profar and his representatives were likely acutely aware that a second PED suspension would functionally end his career, so he had to try. As for the MLBPA helping in his defense, that was likely standard practice for an organization formed to protect player interests. The most likely outcome, barring a blockbuster revelation, was that his suspension will stand.

The more interesting question now is what the Braves will do with the payroll savings now that it is official they won’t have to pay Profar. It is a bit late in the game to be signing free agents of real consequence, and if they actually wanted Lucas Giolito, they probably would have signed him already regardless. One cannot put it past the Braves to do some bargain bin shopping once the final spring roster cuts occur, but that may be it for now.

Instead, the more likely outcome is that the Braves have a war chest heading into the trade deadline. If the right player is available, Atlanta has the payroll now to take on almost anyone that is likely to be available. If not, they will remain under the luxury tax threshold and have even more flexibility once the inevitable lockout eventually ends. It may not be the sexy result that some fans want, but it is also a nice benefit to what is otherwise a crummy situation.