Jurickson Profar, the designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves, has been handed a 162-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his Major League Baseball career. This penalty arrives just a year after an initial 80-game ban early in the 2025 season, resulting in a full-season ban and the loss of his entire $15 million salary.
Impact on Career and Team Performance
Profar, who was an MLB All-Star with the San Diego Padres in 2024 before signing a $42 million deal with the Braves in January 2025, had only made his Braves debut in July 2025 after serving his first suspension. His recent ban also disqualifies him from postseason play if Atlanta advances. The Braves expressed their disappointment but affirmed support for MLB’s drug policy, hoping Profar will learn from this episode.
“It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.” ? Jurickson Profar
“We are surprised and extremely disappointed but fully support the program and are hopeful Jurickson will learn from this experience.” ? Atlanta Braves
Profar’s Status Amid Spring Training and International Competition
The ban coincides with what would have been Profar’s participation in the World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands, as well as spring training preparations with Atlanta for his first full season as their designated hitter. At 33 years old, he becomes the sixth player to receive a 162-game suspension since MLB increased penalties for repeat offenses in 2014.
Challenges for the Atlanta Braves Roster
The Braves face further roster difficulties due to this suspension, compounding injuries already sidelining starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Profar’s absence is a significant loss, particularly as he was anticipated to anchor the team’s batting lineup following offseason sports hernia surgery and a transition into the designated hitter role.
In his partial 2025 season, Profar posted a .245 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and .434 slugging percentage, along with 14 home runs after returning midseason.
Profar’s Background and Future Outlook
Once regarded as the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Profar debuted at 19 with the Texas Rangers but battled injuries throughout his career. His suspension complicates plans for Braves manager Walt Weiss, who must now adjust his lineup strategies for 2026. When Profar returns for the 2027 season, he will have one year remaining on his contract with a salary of $15 million.
