Braves $42M Bust Declared Worst Offseason Signing This Year by MLB Commentator in Blunt Verdict

The Atlanta Braves‘ 2025 season started with high hopes. Determined to recover NL supremacy following last year’s collapse, the clubhouse made clever off-season moves that hinted at a strong comeback. Initial results? A decent 17-18 record. However, one player has drawn much attention. And not in a way he could brag about.

Braves’ fans have somewhat idea who this concerns. Coming off a career-best season, Jurickson Profar displayed remarkable statistics, suggesting a return to his form. Seeing the potential, the Braves’ front office gave him a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract. Given the whopping amount, of course, the expectations were high. But since he stepped on the diamond, many have been asking whether he truly lived up to the expectations. Apparently, an MLB commentator seems to have an answer for that.

The Braves were in dire need of Profar with the temporary absence of star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who, by the way, is about to make a comeback pretty soon. The club expected Profar to be a cornerstone in their lineup. But upon analysis, a different picture has emerged. Thus, MLB commentator Robbie Hyde didn’t mince his words while evaluating the scenario.

Without hesitation, he called Profar’s acquisition by Atlanta the “worst offseason signing this year.” Adding, “Jurickson Profar, what a bust of a season for him and the Braves. The Braves signed him to a three-year, $42 million deal this past season after a career year with the Padres last year.” 

Do you think that was it? Of course, not. He further criticized Profar, saying, “This is absolutely terrible. The Braves bought this guy to be a key player of their lineup, especially with Ronald Acuna Jr. out for a little bit of the start of the year and especially after all the struggles the Braves lineup had last year, so to just lose this guy for a huge chunk of the year that is a huge blow.” Hyde was referring to the 80-game suspension he was penalized with after testing positive for a banned substance.

What’s worse is that Profar could only play a few games before the infamous suspension. In that short period, he posted a .200 batting average and a .450 OPS in 15 at-bats. Looking back at his 2024 season with the San Diego Padres was outstanding, resulting in his All-Star pick and a .280/.380/.459 slash line. But the subsequent suspension casts doubt on the sustainability of such achievements. Citing concerns about possible regression, analysts had previously voiced doubt about his ability to reproduce those figures. Although the Braves wanted him to continue at his peak performance, the reality has been a major decline both on and off the field.

Given how things have ended, one thing is certain: Profar will not find it easy to rejoin the Braves.

Though Hyde has no faith in Profar, he believes there’s a silver lining in the outfielder’s decline: Alex Verdugo. In the same video, the commentator said,  “However, there is a bit of a silver lining here, a bit of a bright side. This did open the door for Alex world go, and he’s actually done pretty well with the Braves so far, hitting .304 with a 361 on base and 112WRC plus. I mean, he was terrible with bat last year for the Yankees, so I mean, at least he’s doing this with the Braves, so again, a bright side.”

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Braves have had both positives and negatives. Despite these individual challenges, the Braves showed their determination in a recent game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Braves blank the Reds

With a strong 4-0 win on May 5, the Braves set the tone for their three-game series with the Reds. By throwing eight scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, four walks, and striking out five hitters, rookie pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver nearly achieved a no-hitter. His dominance on the mound was proof of his developing ability and calmness under pressure.

In the third inning, the Braves’ offense took advantage and scored all four runs. A double by Verdugo started the rally; Austin Riley then followed with an RBI single. Matt Olson‘s inside-the-park home run—his sixth of the season—was the inning’s highlight, coming after Reds youngster Tyler Callihan crashed into the outfield wall trying to make a grab. The blow caused Callihan to lose the ball, therefore allowing Olson to round the bases.

Defensively, the Braves were flawless, keeping a shutout and demonstrating their depth and tenacity. Their capacity to incorporate rising stars like Smith-Shawver and make the most of chances shows a strategic approach to roster construction. This win not only underlined the Braves’ capabilities but also set a good path for the rest of the series.

The Braves want to maintain their momentum and continue showing their strength on both offense and defense as the series goes on. But the question is: can they carry the momentum for the rest of the games?