The Atlanta Braves entered the 2026 season already dealing with injuries, and things became even more complicated after a major suspension involving Jurickson Profar. Ironically, a signing that initially puzzled fans could now turn out to be extremely important for Atlanta.

Dominic Smith Signing Suddenly Makes Sense

Earlier in the offseason, the Braves signed former New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith to a one-year minor league contract.

At the time, the move seemed minor and somewhat questionable. Smith had bounced between teams in recent seasons and was not expected to have a major role on the roster.

However, his performance in spring training has been impressive. According to reports, Smith has been hitting .421 with a 1.132 OPS, giving Atlanta reason to believe he could contribute offensively if given an opportunity.

That opportunity arrived sooner than anyone expected.

Jurickson Profar Suspended for PED Use

The Braves were rocked when MLB announced that Jurickson Profar had received a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Because it is his second PED violation, the penalty is a full-season ban, which is the standard punishment implemented by Major League Baseball in 2014 for repeat offenders.

The suspension means:

• Profar will miss the entire 2026 season

• He will lose his $15 million salary

• The Braves suddenly lose a key designated hitter option

The news also created frustration within the organization, especially because Profar had previously been suspended for a similar offense roughly a year earlier.

Braves Scrambling to Fill the DH Role

With Profar unavailable, Atlanta has been forced to rethink its lineup plans heading into Opening Day.

One positive development is the strong spring from Mike Yastrzemski, who has reportedly been hitting very well during camp.

Still, the designated hitter role remains uncertain, and that’s where Dominic Smith could step in.

If Smith continues his hot spring performance, he now has a real chance to make the Opening Day roster and receive regular at-bats.

Why Smith Could Fit Atlanta’s Lineup

Smith’s left-handed bat could help balance the Braves’ lineup, and his experience at first base and DH makes him a flexible option.

He is also coming off a solid season with the San Francisco Giants, which suggests there may still be offensive upside if he gets consistent playing time.

For a team suddenly missing a key bat, a productive Smith could be exactly what Atlanta needs to stabilize the lineup early in the season.

A Surprise Opportunity

What started as a low-risk depth signing may now become one of the Braves’ most important offseason moves.

If Dominic Smith keeps hitting the way he has this spring, Atlanta might have unexpectedly solved its designated hitter problem — at least for the start of the 2026 season.

For the Braves, who are already battling injuries and roster uncertainty, finding production from an overlooked signing would be a welcome development.