Braves’ Jurickson Profar Faces Season-Long Suspension After Second PED Violation

Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar will miss the entire 2026 Major League Baseball season after receiving a 162-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in less than a year. The suspension, announced Tuesday night by Major League Baseball, will take effect Friday, resulting in Profar forfeiting his full $15 million salary for the season ESPN.

Second Suspension in Under a Year

Profar, 33, tested positive for “exogenous testosterone and its metabolites,” according to MLB. This marks the sixth time since 2014 that a player has received a full-season ban for a second PED violation. His first suspension came earlier in the 2025 season, an 80-game penalty for testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin ESPN.

Impact on the Braves

The loss of Profar is a significant setback for the Braves, who are looking to improve after a 76-86 season in 2025. The team has already been dealing with injuries to starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep MLB.com. Profar had been performing well after returning from his previous suspension, hitting .245 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 80 games last season ESPN.

Appeal and Team Response

Profar intends to appeal the suspension through the MLB Players Association, seeking review by arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman ESPN. The Braves released a statement expressing their disappointment, but affirming their support for the league’s drug prevention program MLB.com. Manager Walt Weiss acknowledged the team’s disappointment but emphasized the demand to move forward MLB.com.

Profar’s Career

Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in February 2025, has played for the Rangers, Athletics, Padres, Rockies, and Braves during his MLB career, which began in 2012. He was an All-Star in 2024 while with the San Diego Padres Yahoo Sports.

Looking Ahead

The Braves will need to find a way to replace Profar’s production in the lineup. The team is approaching the situation as they would a season-ending injury, focusing on the players who are available and moving forward MLB.com. The suspension also means Profar will be ineligible to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he was set to represent the Netherlands ESPN.