Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is confronting a potential 162-game suspension by Major League Baseball after a possible second violation linked to performance-enhancing drugs, according to a source familiar with the matter on Tuesday. This development is part of an ongoing process first reported by ESPN, with details withheld due to confidentiality.
At Profar’s request, the players’ association has filed a grievance to appeal any discipline with MLB’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, according to a second insider who also spoke anonymously. As this suspension would represent Profar’s second infraction, the appeal is expected to proceed following the formal announcement of the penalty.
Profar, an MLB All-Star in 2024, previously served an 80-game suspension starting March 31 after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that stimulates testosterone production. At that time, he responded with a statement:
“I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
His agent, Dan Lozano, has not yet commented on the ongoing situation.
Profar’s Career and Recent Performance Before Suspension
Following his earlier suspension, Profar made an impactful return, hitting a home run in his first game back on July 2. Over the subsequent 80 games, he posted a batting average of .245, with 14 home runs and 43 runs batted in, achieving an on-base-plus slugging (OPS) of .787. The 2024 season had marked a career-best for Profar, as he compiled a .280 average alongside 24 homers, 85 RBIs, and an OPS of .839.
During the recent offseason, Profar underwent sports hernia surgery in November that warranted a six-week recovery period. He has participated in four spring training games this year, securing three hits in ten at-bats and recording three RBIs. Originally from Curaçao, Profar was slated to represent the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic prior to these developments.
Braves DH Jurickson Profar to @AlisonWSB at start of spring training…
Alison:
Did you do anything this off-season to make sure that mixup that happened before… Never happens again
Profar: Yes.. yes pic.twitter.com/QI8vsaAjEe
Financial and Roster Implications of Suspension
If the full-season suspension is enforced, Profar will miss the entire 2025 campaign, including postseason play, and forfeit his $15 million salary for that year, which is part of his three-year, $42 million contract lasting through 2027. He had already lost half of his $12 million salary in 2024 due to his initial suspension.
This would classify Profar as the seventh player to receive a 162-game ban for a second violation related to performance-enhancing drugs. Previous similar cases include New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (2015), Cleveland outfielder Marlon Byrd (2016), catcher Cody Stanley (2016), Houston pitcher Francis Martes (2020), Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (2020), and Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejia (2023). Jenrry Mejia remains the only player to have been permanently banned after a third positive test.
Each new suspension sends a clear message about MLB’s strict enforcement policies, as demonstrated by four players already suspended this year for positive tests, including free agent Max Kepler, who received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Epitrenbolone.
With veteran left fielder Mike Yastrzemski signed to a two-year, $23 million contract, Profar was expected to serve as the Braves’ primary designated hitter. The team’s depth chart includes National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin potentially filling in at DH or catcher once Sean Murphy returns from a hip injury, predicted as soon as May 2025.
The outfield, crowded with talents such as Yastrzemski, Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuña Jr., leaves options like Eli White to substitute at DH. Meanwhile, the projected starting shortstop, Ha-seong Kim, is sidelined due to a finger injury, with Mauricio Dubon prepared to start in his place while fulfilling a utility role. The absence of Profar could also open a chance for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league deal on February 17.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Johan Rojas Also Contesting Suspension
In a related matter, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas is disputing a potential 80-game suspension after an alleged failed test for a performance-enhancing substance, according to a source who spoke anonymously on Tuesday. The positive test has not yet been publicly disclosed.
MLB’s drug agreement stipulates that the appeals process for a first-time positive test occurs before any official announcement. At 25 years old and having debuted in the majors in 2023, Rojas was removed from the Dominican Republic‘s World Baseball Classic roster, as confirmed by team general manager Nelson Cruz on Monday.
Last season, Rojas hit .224 with one home run, 18 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on August 1 and did not appear for the Phillies thereafter. In spring training this year, Rojas is 1-for-11 at the plate.
Over his major league career spanning 250 games, Rojas holds a .252 batting average with six home runs, 73 RBIs, and 51 stolen bases.
Broader Impact and Anticipated Developments
Jurickson Profar’s potential full-season suspension following a second PED violation significantly alters the Braves’ lineup dynamics and financial commitments. Losing a key player not only affects 2025 on-field strategies but also forces the team to explore internal and external roster adjustments.
The appeal process led by MLB’s independent arbitrator will determine the final outcome, yet the situation underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining fair play and integrity in professional baseball. As both Profar and Rojas await resolution, the league’s disciplinary actions serve as a cautionary backdrop for players and franchises alike.
Moving forward, MLB teams will need to adjust their plans in response to roster shifts stemming from these suspensions while monitoring any further developments in drug policy enforcement.
Braves DH Jurickson Profar to @AlisonWSB at start of spring training…
Alison:
Did you do anything this off-season to make sure that mixup that happened before… Never happens againProfar: Yes.. yes pic.twitter.com/QI8vsaAjEe
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) March 3, 2026
