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NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Braves manager Walt Weiss has told his players to move forward without focusing on Jurickson Profar’s 162-game suspension. The challenge of doing so in a successful manner can be seen via the many different napkins and pieces of paper Weiss has used while adjusting his lineup plans.
“There’s a lot of napkins on the floor,” Weiss said. “There’s a lot of ways you can go with it. There are some things I’m pretty sure about and some things I’m not as it relates to lineups.”
Profar was slated to serve as Atlanta’s primary designated hitter, bat within the first five spots and occasionally play left field before he was handed a season-long suspension this week after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug.
So, how will the Braves fill these voids?
There’s a chance the Braves could acquire a bat, preferably a right-handed-hitting outfielder, via a trade before their March 27 season opener. The $15 million that had been owed to Profar this year could create some options with teams looking to cut payroll.
But to get a feel for exactly what the Braves need, here’s a look at what their lineups might look like with their current internal options. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that catcher Sean Murphy and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim are both set to be activated from the injured list during the first half of May.
Braves lineup vs. RHPs
Ronald Acuña Jr. RF
Drake Baldwin C
Matt Olson 1B
Austin Riley 3B
Mike Yastrzemski LF
Ozzie Albies 2B
Michael Harris II CF
Dominic Smith DH
Mauricio Dubón SS
Notes: Smith had a .779 OPS against right-handed pitchers last year and a .734 OPS against them over the past three seasons. His .598 OPS against left-handed pitchers since 2023 would make him susceptible to left-on-left matchups in the later innings. Switch-hitting catcher Jonah Heim, infielder Jorge Mateo and outfielder Eli White would be right-handed bats that could replace Smith late. But you wouldn’t want to get in a position where you would lose the DH spot if the player inserted into it mid-game is later needed in the field.
Verdict: Smith might be a decent option against right-handed pitchers, but better options will likely materialize, especially after teams begin making roster cuts near the end of camp. So, it seems unlikely that the lineup above is the one you’ll see against righties to open the season.
If the previous lineup concerned you, check out the potential lineup against southpaws.
Braves vs. LHPs
Ronald Acuña Jr. RF
Ozzie Albies 2B
Matt Olson 1B
Austin Riley 3B
Drake Baldwin C/DH
Jonah Heim C/DH
Michael Harris II CF
Eli White LF
Mauricio Dubón SS
Notes: Yastrzemski’s struggles against left-handed pitching will make him a late-inning option when the Braves oppose left-handed starters. Heim hit lefties well in 2022 and ‘23, but has struggled from the right side both of the past two years. There will be days when he serves as the catcher and Baldwin is the DH. But there’s reason to think Heim’s bat should only be utilized on those days when Baldwin isn’t behind the plate. As for Albies in the second spot, he’s always been a different animal from the right side.
Verdict: Again, it feels like the Braves are a bat short. If Harris breaks out and is a consistent threat even against lefties, then you could at least feel good about the first two-thirds of this lineup. But for now, there’s seemingly a need for somebody who could provide more pop in left field, or in the DH spot when Baldwin is catching.
How will Kim and Murphy’s returns help?
Kim’s presence will allow the Braves to play Dubón at various positions. This will create chances for Weiss to use Acuña, Riley, Olson and other regulars in the DH spot. This could lead to long-term benefits in terms of endurance. But Kim’s career-best .749 OPS (in 2023) creates reason to doubt a significant immediate boost to the lineup.
Murphy’s return could be much more significant. He has been a below average offensive performer since earning an All-Star selection in the first half of 2023. But he’s played through multiple ailments, including the debilitating hip discomfort that led to surgery in October.
If Murphy’s bat regains its former pop, you could see him and Baldwin flip-flopping between the catching and DH spots on a regular basis. Left field might still be a concern when Yastrzemski sits against lefties. But the Braves could have a strong lineup if Murphy returns to form.
Final verdict: Yeah, there feels like a definite need to add a bat before the season. While I think an addition will be made, I’m not expecting a significant addition. Given the significance of Murphy’s hip injury, there’s reason to gamble on him strengthening the lineup over the final four-and-a-half months.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos will be able to better spend the $15 million saved from Profar’s suspension ahead of the Trade Deadline.