This Reds player could fit the Braves' need after Jurickson Profar suspension

The Atlanta Braves are set to lose outfielder Jurickson Profar for the entire 2026 season. ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported that Profar is set to be suspended for 162 games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs for the second time. Profar tested positive for PEDs late last March, and was docked 80 games during his first year in Atlanta.

Cincinnati Reds fans know all too well how the Braves fanbase is handling this situation at the moment. Promising top prospect Noelvi Marte was suspended for 80 games at the beginning of the 2024 season, and Cincinnati was scrambling to piece a lineup together just days before Opening Day.

The free agent pool has all but dried up — unless the Braves plan to target former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen — and Atlanta's president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos may be eyeing the trade market right about now. Is there anyone on the Reds roster who might pique the Braves' interest?

Reds slugger Christian Encarnacion-Strand could be on the Braves' shortlist

The first name that probably came to minds of most Reds fans was Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The former Minnesota Twins farmhand enjoyed a fine rookie season in 2023, but injuries and lack of production over the past two years have allowed him to appear in just 65 games. After posting a .270/.328/.477 slash line in 2023, he's hit a combined .199/.227/.337 since.

Though Encarnacion-Strand is an infielder by trade, the Braves planned to use Profar as their designated hitter in 2026. With an outfield comprised of Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta doesn't necessarily have to focus on finding an outfielder to replace Profar's bat in the lineup.

On a Reds roster loaded with infield talent, Encarnacion-Strand is essentially blocked at every conceivable position. Third base belongs to Ke'Bryan Hayes, though both Eugenio Suárez and Sal Stewart have received some reps at the hot corner this spring. Stewart, Spencer Steer, and Nathaniel Lowe have all logged time at first base, and Suárez is learning that position as well. There's just no room on the Reds roster for CES.

The Reds don't necessarily need to get top value for Encarnacion-Strand at this stage of his career, and fresh start with a new club could be just what he needs. Cincinnati will need to open up a spot on the 40-man roster if Lowe is added before Opening Day, and trading Encarnacion-Strand would be an easy way to do it.