Braves Outfielder Jurickson Profar Suspended for Entire 2026 Season After Second Positive Drug Test
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar will miss the entire 2026 Major League Baseball season after his appeal of a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was denied. The 162-game suspension, announced on March 19, 2026, also disqualifies him from postseason play.
Second PED Suspension for Profar
Major League Baseball (MLB) revealed that Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites ESPN. This marks his second consecutive season facing suspension for PED use. In March 2025, he received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Financial Implications
As a result of the suspension, Profar will forfeit his entire $15 million salary for the 2026 season Heavy. He signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025.
Braves’ Response
The Atlanta Braves organization expressed their disappointment regarding the situation. “We were incredibly disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and is in violation of MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the team stated Heavy. “Our players are consistently educated about the Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation. The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.”
Impact on the Braves’ Lineup
Prior to the suspension, Profar was expected to contribute regularly to the Braves’ lineup, rotating between the outfield and designated hitter positions ESPN. With Profar sidelined, manager Walt Weiss anticipates a “fairly fluid” designated hitter situation ESPN. The team signed Mike Yastrzemski in the offseason to bolster the outfield, and he is expected to start alongside Ronald Acuña Jr. And Michael Harris.
Profar’s Previous Performance
Following his return from the 80-game suspension in 2025, Profar batted .245 with a .787 OPS, hitting 14 home runs and recording 43 RBIs.
MLB’s Stance on PEDs
Profar is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since MLB increased the penalty for second-time offenders in 2014 ESPN.