Atlanta Braves fans have been dealing with the fallout of Jurickson Profar's second straight suspension due to PEDs. It is highly irritating and confusing that someone would do something so selfish after being caught just one year ago. His decision leaves Atlanta with a gap that needs to be filled.
This has soured any chance he may have had at winning fans back after last seasons suspension. His contract has become one of the worst in Braves history. However, is it the worst or has there been a worse contract signed by Atlanta previously?
Here are the worth signings in Braves history and where Jurickson Profar ranks among them
Of note, the focus here is primarily on signings, not trades which is why you won't find the human toilet that is Hector Olivera on the list. It is safe to say that he would have a a strong argument for the top spot otherwise, but it is also worth mentioning that the amount of money and playing time involved with Olivera was comparatively small. With that caveat out of the way, here are the rankings.
Derek Lowe
Lowe was initially an exciting signing for the Braves. He was a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion. He was signed to a four-year, $60 million contract by Atlanta ahead of the 2009 season. It felt like a great decision at the time, but that soured very quickly.
Lowe had a respectable 3.64 ERA from 1999 to 2008, but he provided a 4.33 ERA over 67 starts during his first two years in Atlanta. He followed that with an atrocious 5.05 ERA over 34 starts in 2011. This forced the Braves to trade him off to Cleveland before the 2012 season and cover $10 million of his remaining $15 million contract.
Melky Cabrera
Okay, we are breaking the rules a little bit already as he was a trade, but Cabrera has to merit a mention given his reputation among Braves fans. Cabrera was acquired by the Braves from the Yankees ahead of the 2010 season. Atlanta sent Javier Vazquez to New York in return. Atlanta then avoided arbitration with the outfielder as he accepted a one-year, $3.1 million contract.
His time with Atlanta wasn't very notable, as he slashed .255/.317/.354 over 147 games with a 77 wRC+ and a -1.5 WAR. Fans will remember he arrived at camp out of shape and was criticized heavily for that. He also didn't put in a lot of effort in the field. The Braves are fine with his stint being short, as he was caught using PEDs multiple times in his career after that season. Sound familiar?
Melvin (BJ) Upton Jr.
Former Braves GM Frank Wren thought it was wise to sign Upton to a five-year, $75.25 million contract. At the time, it felt like a good deal for a player coming off three good seasons for the Rays. However, that opinion changed almost instantaneously.
He slashed .198/.279/.314 over two seasons in Atlanta, with 21 homers, 32 stolen bases, 61 RBI, a -1.7 WAR, and a 66 wRC+. His defense was equally awful, with a -0.2 defensive WAR during his time with the Braves.
He couldn't stop striking out and was constantly being thrown out trying to steal when he got on base. Yes, everyone will remember the high of the game where he and his brother, Justin, hit back-to-back homers to walk off the Cubs. However, that doesn't remove the stain he left on the organization. He was traded to the Padres after the 2014 season.
Jurickson Profar
Profar's contract might be the biggest regret in recent memory. Being suspended for PEDs one time is bad enough, but to have it happen in consecutive seasons is unacceptable. Atlanta took a chance on him after a breakout season with the Padres in 2024.
Profar had a career-high 3.6 WAR, which earned him a three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta. He has played a total of 80 games with the Braves since being added to the roster. Now, he is lost for an entire season, making this one of the most worthless contracts in franchise history.
If there is a 2027 season, there's no reason Profar should be on the roster. Atlanta is better off eating the remainder of his contract and cutting ties. There's no redeeming himself after consecutive bans for PEDs.