The Braves knew they needed a change, and with Jurickson Profar cleared to return, the clock ran out on patience. In a high-stakes season, underperformance isn’t just noticed—it’s acted on. That’s exactly what unfolded when Atlanta made a blunt roster call that left little room for sentiment. Profar’s return wasn’t just a routine activation—it forced the Braves to make a tough decision on a struggling outfielder. The move sparked immediate reactions, not because it was shocking, but because of how long it might’ve been coming. The writing had been on the wall—this just made it official.

Ken Rosenthal’s tweet said it plainly: “The Braves have designated outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment, sources tell @TheAthletic. Clearing a spot for the return of Jurickson Profar.” The Braves designated the $1.5 million outfielder, Alex Verdugo, for assignment to clear room for Profar’s return.

The numbers didn’t lie. Since his two-hit game on May 5, Alex Verdugo batted a brutal .203/.257/.225 with a 37 wRC+. That wasn’t just bad—it was historically bad. In fact, over his last 148 plate appearances, he tallied just three extra-base hits. As one Braves writer bluntly put it, “Good freaking riddance.” For a team in contention, there’s no room for a corner outfielder who can’t hit, can’t run, and doesn’t provide any defensive value. Verdugo’s -1.2 WAR since May 5 was the worst in Major League Baseball.

That alone might’ve sealed his fate, but Profar’s return sped up the process. The Braves didn’t just need a body back; they needed better. Profar might not single-handedly save Atlanta’s season, but Verdugo’s continued presence wasn’t helping anyone. So the Braves finally pulled the plug—mercifully, and perhaps, mercilessly.

While Jurickson Profar’s return may have pushed one struggling veteran out the door, the Braves’ bigger dilemma lies in deciding the fate of another—one with a much larger price tag and a much deeper legacy in Atlanta’s clubhouse.

Braves urged to cut ties with $81M slugger amid downward spiral

As the trade deadline inches closer, pressure is mounting in Atlanta—not just from the standings, but from analysts and insiders alike. ESPN’s David Schoenfield has become the latest to call for action, specifically urging the Braves to move on from Marcell Ozuna. The three-time All-Star is in the final year of his five-year, $81 million contract, and while he’s still a recognizable offensive name, his recent numbers paint a bleaker picture. Ozuna’s .550 OPS and just two home runs in June underscore a brutal drop-off, and his ongoing hip issue hasn’t helped his cause.

Despite that, Ozuna’s overall value isn’t lost on the league. With 79 home runs across the 2023 and 2024 seasons and a solid .369 OBP this year, the slugger still offers something many playoff hopefuls crave—proven power. The concern? He’s a DH-only player and might be physically compromised heading into August. But for a Braves squad currently below .500 and spiraling, standing still could be riskier than a calculated sell. If Atlanta’s July doesn’t bring a dramatic turnaround, dealing Ozuna might be the most logical—and necessary—step in salvaging their future.

The Braves have reached a pivotal crossroads, where tough decisions are no longer optional—they’re inevitable. Whether it’s moving on from short-term disappointments like Verdugo or contemplating a high-stakes trade involving Ozuna, Atlanta’s front office must act decisively. Stay tuned—because how they handle July could shape not just this season, but the seasons to come.

`