The Atlanta Braves’ designated hitter, Jurickson Profar, faces a significant penalty. He has been suspended for an entire season—162 games—due to a second violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy. This decision was reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Details of the Suspension
Profar, 33, is now among six players who have received this severe ban following repeated violations since the penalty system was intensified in 2014. His earlier suspension occurred in 2025 when he was penalized for 80 games after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that promotes testosterone production.
Financial and Competitive Consequences
As a result of this latest suspension, Profar will forfeit the $15 million contract due to him in 2026. Moreover, he will not participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he was scheduled to represent the Netherlands, nor will he be eligible for postseason play.
Profar’s Career Overview
- Teams: Profar has played for five teams throughout his career—Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Atlanta Braves.
- Contract: Atlanta signed him to a three-year contract worth $42 million in January 2025.
- Performance: In 2025, he recorded a batting average of .245 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs over 80 games.
- Career Stats: Profar holds a career slashline of .245/.333/.398 across 4,095 at-bats.
Profar’s suspension arrives just four games into the 2025 season, significantly impacting the Braves’ plans. The team is grappling with additional challenges, including injuries to starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep.
Future Outlook
Profar’s return from last year’s suspension had shown promise, as he was expected to switch to a designated hitter role in 2026. However, this recent development alters the Braves’ roster dynamics significantly as they aim to recover from a disappointing 76-86 season.
Once a highly regarded No. 1 MLB prospect, Profar made his debut with the Rangers at just 19. Despite his high potential, this second PED violation raises questions about his future in Major League Baseball.
