The Atlanta Braves will lose designated hitter Jurickson Profar for the full 2026 season after he tested positive for exogenous testosterone, resulting in a 162-game suspension. This penalty, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, means Profar will miss the entire regular season, be barred from postseason play, and forfeit his $15 million salary.
Details Surrounding Profar’s Suspension and Response
The lengthy ban represents a significant setback for Profar, who was already suspended in 2025 following a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Passan explained that hCG is
“a hormone typically made during pregnancy that can encourage testosterone production.”
At the time of the first suspension, Profar stated,
“it is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.”
The Braves expressed their surprise and disappointment in a statement but added they
“fully support the program and are hopeful Jurickson will learn from this experience.”
Background on Profar’s Career and Contract with the Braves
Before joining Atlanta, Profar was an All-Star and Silver Slugger award winner in 2024 while playing for the San Diego Padres. That season, he posted a .280/.380/.459 slash line with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, contributing to the Padres’ playoff run. The Braves signed him to a three-year, $42 million deal ahead of the 2025 season, anticipating a strong addition to their lineup. However, his tenure with Atlanta has been marred by injuries and suspensions.
Profar underwent sports hernia surgery in the offseason, which was expected to move him from left field to designated hitter for 2026. Despite this, the new suspension prevents any participation, negating those plans. During the limited 80 games he played for the Braves in 2025, Profar delivered a .245/.353/.434 slash line with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs, showing potential but not matching his prior peak performance.
Implications of the Suspension for Profar and Baseball Events
This suspension marks only the sixth time a player has been penalized with a full-season ban for a second performance-enhancing drug offense since MLB tightened its rules in 2014. Beyond missing the Braves’ season, Profar will also be unable to compete in the World Baseball Classic, where he was expected to represent the Netherlands, a team that includes players from his native Curaçao.
The MLB Players Association has announced plans to challenge the suspension, as confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, signaling ongoing legal and professional disputes. For the Braves, losing Profar for a second consecutive full season presents a serious challenge to their roster and strategy moving forward.
Source confirms: Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar suspended 162 games for second violation of MLB’s joint drug policy. First: @JeffPassan
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 3, 2026
The Players Association plans to challenge MLB’s intention to suspend Jurickson Profar for 162 games, source tells @TheAthletic
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 3, 2026
