Jurickson Profar, the Atlanta Braves’ designated hitter and outfielder, has been hit with a 162-game suspension without pay following a positive test for exogenous testosterone, marking his second violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program in as many years.
Profar, 33, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) — specifically exogenous testosterone — triggering the maximum penalty for a second-time offender under MLB’s current policy. A full-season ban effectively sidelines him for the entire 2026 regular season, and he would also be ineligible for any postseason play should the Braves qualify.
This comes just one year after Profar served an 80-game suspension early in the 2025 season. That initial ban stemmed from a positive test for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone commonly associated with stimulating testosterone production. Profar missed the first half of 2025, losing a significant portion of his $12 million salary for that year (approximately half, or around $6 million). He returned mid-season and contributed solidly when available, slashing around .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs in limited action.
Under MLB rules updated in 2014, a first PED offense typically results in an 80-game ban, while a second violation carries a full 162-game suspension without pay.
- Jenrry Mejía (New York Mets, July 2015) – He later received a lifetime ban in 2016 for a third violation.
- Marlon Byrd (Cleveland, June 2016)
- Cody Stanley (Free agent/St. Louis Cardinals, July 2016)
- Francis Martes (Houston Astros, February 2020)
- Robinson Canó (New York Mets, November 2020)
- J.C. Mejía (Milwaukee Brewers, September 2023)
- Jurickson Profar (Atlanta Braves, March 2026)
The timing is particularly devastating for the Braves, who are attempting to rebound from a disappointing 76-86 record in 2025 and are already dealing with injuries to key pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Profar, signed to a three-year, $42 million contract prior to 2025 as a versatile bat (primarily expected to DH in 2026 after roster adjustments), was viewed as a key piece in the lineup. His absence leaves a major hole in Atlanta’s offense heading into the season.
Profar, a former All-Star in 2024 during his time with the San Diego Padres (where he posted a breakout .280/.380/.459 line with 24 homers), has now seen his reputation tarnished by back-to-back violations.
For the Braves, the focus now shifts to contingency planning — whether through internal options, free-agent additions, or potential trades — to replace Profar’s production. For Profar himself, the suspension raises serious questions about his future in the league, as a third violation could result in a lifetime ban.
