Jurickson Profar Receives 162-Game Suspension for Second PED Violation
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received a 162-game suspension from Major League Baseball (MLB) for the entire 2026 season, effective Friday. This ban follows a positive test for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance, marking Profar's second violation of MLB's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. His first offense in 2025 resulted in an 80-game ban for Chorionic Gonadotrophin.
Suspension Details and Appeal
Profar's 162-game suspension bans him for the entirety of the 2026 season, including any potential playoff games. The Players Association has promptly filed a grievance on Profar's behalf, appealing the suspension to independent arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman.
Unlike first-time offenses, a second violation suspension is not stayed during the appeal process. The appeal will proceed on an expedited timeline.
Financial and Eligibility Consequences
If the suspension is upheld, Profar will forfeit his $15 million salary for the 2026 season. His previous 80-game suspension in 2025 resulted in a loss of approximately $6 million from his salary.
Profar, who is 33 years old, is currently in the second year of a three-year, $42 million contract and is owed an additional $15 million in 2027. A third positive test for a performance-enhancing substance would result in a lifetime ban from MLB. He is also ineligible to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Player and Team Response
The Atlanta Braves organization issued a statement expressing disappointment and reaffirming its support for MLB's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The statement noted that players are educated about its rules and consequences.
Following his initial suspension in March 2025, Profar stated he would "never willingly take a banned substance" but accepted MLB's decision.
Career Background and Recent Performance
Profar, once considered a top prospect, missed nearly two full seasons in 2014 and 2015 due to multiple shoulder injuries. He has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Rangers, A's, Padres, and Rockies.
In 2024, Profar, who was an All-Star that year, achieved career highs with a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and an .839 OPS. This impressive performance led to his contract with the Braves. After returning from his first suspension, he finished the 2025 season with a .245 average, 14 home runs, and 43 RBIs in 80 games.
Impact on the Atlanta Braves
The suspension carries significant financial implications for the Braves, resulting in an immediate saving of $15 million in salary and an additional $3 million in luxury tax payments. This provides the team with financial flexibility for potential roster additions.
Profar had been targeted as the team's primary designated hitter, and his absence now creates roster challenges. Potential replacements for the designated hitter role include Drake Baldwin, Eli White, or Dominic Smith. The Braves' current outfield options include Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuña Jr., with Eli White and Jorge Mateo available as complements.
The team is also currently managing injuries to its pitching rotation, with Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep having undergone elbow surgery, and projected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim sidelined with a finger injury.
Precedent
Profar is the seventh player in MLB history to receive a 162-game suspension for a second performance-enhancing drug infraction.