Braves predicted to sign $15M power bat with 144 career HRs, 3-time All-Star to fulfill major need

Braves predicted to sign $15M power bat with 144 career HRs, 3-time All-Star to fulfill major need originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Just two winters ago, the Atlanta Braves brought in a veteran coming off the best season of his career and looking to build on that success. Jurickson Profar was coming off an All-Star campaign that earned him a lucrative payday.

However, in his two seasons with the Braves, Profar has spent more time suspended than on the field. He was suspended for the entire 2026 season.

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

Profar’s absence left a major gap in left field. In fact, Mauricio Dubón, whose regular position is shortstop, had to spend much of the season playing left field because of the lack of options.

“While Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II are everyday outfielders, left field was a rotating spot. It was matchup-dependent, and the needs at shortstop played a role as well in who the options were,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote.

Atlanta will have several options during this free-agency period. SI’s Roman Janeiro believes the Braves should specifically target Randy Arozarena to bring a different approach to the lineup.

“Left field is one of the team’s biggest offseason needs, and Alex Anthopoulos has to decide whether to prioritize a player who brings speed and baserunning value instead of simply chasing the most accomplished bat available. The Braves need someone who reaches base consistently, steals bases and runs aggressively, complementing Matt Olson, Austin Riley and the rest of the established lineup. Speed alone isn’t a solution, however, and power still matters. On-base percentage is king, and one name that has been brought up in Braves circles actually fits: Randy Arozarena. Not only does he bring a high-impact bat, but he also ranked ninth in MLB in on-base percentage in 2026 and has a chaotic, impactful style on the basepaths. He creates runs by taking the extra base or forcing hurried throws from defenders in late-game situations,” Janeiro wrote.

There are plenty of reasons for Atlanta to pursue Arozarena, who also has 144 career home runs to his name. He could become a fixture in left field while bringing several other valuable skills to the lineup.

Arozarena played on a $15 million deal with the Seattle Mariners this past season. As a former ALCS MVP, he also has postseason experience and could give the Braves another proven bat as they look to return to October baseball.

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