Braves' Jurickson Profar suspended 162 games by MLB for second PED violation

Profar's suspension highlights the escalating penalties for repeat PED offenders in MLB

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received a 162-game suspension from Major League Baseball for testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, marking his second violation of the league's drug policy in just over a year. The suspension, which effectively wipes out Profar's 2026 season, underscores MLB's commitment to deterring performance-enhancing drug (PED) use through increasingly severe penalties for repeat offenders.

Why it matters

Profar's case shines a spotlight on the ongoing battle against PEDs in baseball and raises questions about the future of drug testing and enforcement. The financial consequences of these suspensions are also substantial, with Profar forfeiting his $15 million salary and the Braves saving around $18 million due to being over the luxury tax threshold.

The details

Profar's initial suspension in 2025 was for 80 games after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a substance often used after steroid cycles. The current 162-game suspension, a full season ban, is the penalty for a second positive test, as outlined in the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is appealing the decision, but the suspension will take effect immediately as a second-time offender.

  • Profar's first suspension was in 2025 for 80 games.
  • Profar's current 162-game suspension is for the 2026 season.

The players

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who has received a 162-game suspension from MLB for his second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

Atlanta Braves

The Major League Baseball team that Jurickson Profar plays for, who will be without him for the 2026 season due to his suspension.

Major League Baseball (MLB)

The professional baseball league that has suspended Jurickson Profar for 162 games due to his second positive PED test.

Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)

The labor union representing MLB players, which is appealing Jurickson Profar's 162-game suspension.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to maintain the integrity of the game and protect the health and safety of our players.”

— Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB.com)

What’s next

The MLBPA's appeal of Jurickson Profar's 162-game suspension will be expedited, but the suspension will remain in effect during the appeals process.

The takeaway

Profar's second PED violation underscores the escalating penalties for repeat offenders in MLB, as the league continues to grapple with the ongoing challenge of eliminating performance-enhancing drug use in the sport.