The Atlanta Braves’ luck has officially run out. First, they lost Ronald Acuña Jr. to a torn ACL. The team thought to have stability with Acuña’s $42 million replacement, Jurickson Profar. But now? Profar might be next on the injury list. At the period of a Grapefruit League game, El Patron jammed his left wrist. This left the team’s outfield depth looking as sturdy as a house of cards in a hurricane.

The initial X-rays came back clean; however, the real test lies in the MRI. If the news takes a path for the worse, the Atlanta Braves could enter in full-blown panic mode before Opening Day. Losing Profar would leave the team to stare at an outfield issue with no easy fix. And now their powerhouse lineup can cover for a depleted outfield this time.

The front office did not just sign Jurickson Profar for fun—they cut a check of $42 million over three years. Because Atlanta needed a legitimate replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr. In 2024, the Silver Slugger Award winner slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs for the Padres. This is proof that he could manage the spotlight. The expectation? The All-Star would step in and at least keep the offense afloat. Instead, Profar is now waiting on MRI results, and the Braves are waiting to see if their offseason approach just crumbled before their eyes.

Now, one needs to talk about the mess the Atlanta Braves are left with. The team’s best internal options are Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz after Jurickson Profar. However, neither of them screams “reliable everyday starter”. Over 131 games in 2024, Kelenic batted .231 with 15 homers and posted a .679 OPS. In addition, De La Cruz is more of a fourth outfielder than a game-transformer. There is Eli White, who has 77 career hits in 404 MLB at-bats, and non-roster invitees, like Jake Marisnick. This is what happens when a team loses its MVP and then its safety net.

Can the Atlanta Braves survive?

The Braves are not the first team to face a vital injury issue. In the past, there have been instances when the right moves could keep a season alive. In 2022, the Phillies lost Bryce Harper after his broken thumb for two months. However, the team stayed afloat because of Kyle Schwarber’s 46 home runs and a vital midseason trade for Brandon Marsh. The 2018 Dodgers lost Corey Seager to a UCL tear and reacted by trading for Manny Machado. This approach guided them to an NL pennant.

The Braves have been in this situation before and survived. In 2017, when Freddie Freeman broke his wrist, the team identified a short-period fix. When Mike Soroka tore his Achilles, the Braves adjusted. However, losing Acuña and Profar before the season starts? That is a distinctive beast. Can Atlanta afford to enter the season with such a roster? Is a big move inevitable?

The front office could be forced to hit the trade market, yet, he scope for a veteran free agent is always available. Talents like Zack Greinke. Taylor remains available. In addition, the trade market could provide more options. But, making a move this late in Spring Training is far from beneficial. Does the team trust the internal options? Either way, they cannot afford to sit back and hope for the best.

The Braves established a World Series-caliber team; however, fate is testing them early. Ronald Acuña Jr. is gone. Profar could be next. Braves fans, what is the play with the front office? Is it time for a blockbuster trade? Can this roster attract a trophy?