The Braves, once a model of depth and discipline, are now juggling scandals and setbacks like a circus act without a net. Just when it seemed the season couldn’t spiral any further, the front office may be forced into an expensive insurance policy. With lineup stability now a luxury, the Atlanta Braves are eyeing reinforcements—one of whom comes with a $50 million tag and a history worth betting on.

Jurickson Profar has caused a problem for the Braves that is going to cost them big time. Profar is out for 80 games and still getting paid, but the Braves just lost a player. His replacement is going to cost them around $50 million, whose name is Luis Robert Jr.

It is now being reported that the Braves are actively looking to bolster their batting lineup. One name gaining traction is Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, who could bring both power and speed to Atlanta’s struggling offense. While nothing was confirmed, Zach Pressnell reported in his article, “Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. would be the perfect trade candidate for the Braves to look into adding.” And he is right.

Robert Jr. had an average season in 2024 as he ended with a batting average of .224 and an OBP of .278. He also had 14 home runs and 35 RBIs in the 100 games he played. His 2024 might not have been that good, but his 2023 was elite. He was awarded a Silver Slugger and also received some MVP votes.

Robert Jr. might not be the ideal replacement for Profar, but he brings enough upside to contribute meaningfully. With names like Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, and Matt Olson already in the lineup, he won’t have to carry the offense alone.

So no, Robert Jr. isn’t the savior Atlanta dreamed of—but he might be the band-aid they can afford. The Braves don’t need a miracle; they need someone who can swing a bat without triggering a suspension. If spending $50 million is the cost of cleaning up Profar’s mess, then so be it. After all, winning ugly still counts in the standings.

From slump to slugfest: Braves blank Marlins in home opener

Baseball gods, it seems, do have a sense of humor. After a week of inventing new ways to lose, the Braves finally remembered how to play the sport—and did so with the kind of ruthless flair that makes you wonder where this version of them has been hiding. A few names deserve bold, underlined credit: Spencer Schwellenbach, Ozuna, Olson, and, yes, even Riley.

The Braves are back in the winning column, and this win was a statement victory. They faced the Marlins on April 4 and demolished the Marlins’ pitching rotation as they won the game 10-0. This win snapped the seven-game losing streak the Braves were on, and their hero for the day was Schwellenbach.

In the first five innings, he was perfect and retired 14 batters. Over the eight innings pitched, he gave away just two hits and struck out 10 batters. To back him up, Atlanta’s offense also showed up. The Braves scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning, putting the Marlins under pressure. This game is like an atonement for the Braves after they managed to blow a 5-0 lead against the Dodgers.

Turns out, when the Braves remember how to pitch and hit on the same night, they’re a completely different beast. One dominant win doesn’t erase a 0-7 start, but it does slap a little sense—and swagger—back into the narrative. If this is the version Atlanta plans to roll with, the rest of the league might want to stop laughing. The slump was real, but so was the slugfest.