The Atlanta Braves were dealt a significant blow as they prepare for the 2026 season, losing a key piece of their lineup in outfielder Jurickson Profar weeks before Opening Day. With expectations once again set high, the sudden absence of his veteran bat forces the organization to quickly adjust both its roster and its mindset.

Braves OF Jurickson Profar reportedly left his World Baseball Classic Netherlands teammates stunned with abrupt exit.

The Atlanta Braves issued a statement Tuesday after outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended 162 games —effectively, the entire 2026 season — for performance enhancing drug use. MORE: Former Braves star slams Jurickson Profar immediately after PED suspension Profar,

Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received a 162-game suspension after testing positive for exogenous testosterone. It’s the second consecutive year he’s been suspended for PEDs after he missed 80 games last season following a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin.

Braves manager Walt Weiss offers his side of the story regarding the 182-game suspension from MLB on Jurickson Profar.

The partnership between the Atlanta Braves and Jurickson Profar has turned into a full-blown disaster. Just as the team was gearing up for the new season, a bombshell report about Profar forced the front office to scrap its plans and start over,

The Atlanta Braves have been dealing with injuries in their starting rotation, which remains a major concern. At the same time, the team is still working to finalize a consistent batting lineup once everyone is fully healthy.