Braves Outfielder Jurickson Profar Suspended Entire 2026 MLB Season For PEDs

Profar tested positive for a second time, leading to a 162-game suspension.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Major League Baseball announced that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended 162 games without pay for his second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. Profar tested positive for Exogenous Testosterone, a synthetic anabolic agent, and its metabolites, a violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Profar intends to file a grievance, but if the suspension stands, he would miss the entire 2026 season and postseason eligibility.

Why it matters

This suspension highlights the ongoing challenges MLB faces in combating PED use, even among veteran players. Profar's second offense also raises questions about the league's disciplinary policies and whether harsher penalties are needed to deter repeat offenders.

The details

Profar was first suspended 80 games less than a year ago in March 2025 for using Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a female fertility drug used to stimulate natural testosterone production. He signed a 3-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025 and played in 80 games last season, posting a .245/.353/.434 slash line.

  • Profar was first suspended 80 games without pay on March 31, 2025.
  • Profar's latest 162-game suspension becomes effective this Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who has been suspended for a second positive PED test, this time for Exogenous Testosterone.

Manny Ramirez

A former outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was suspended 50 games in 2009 for using hCG, the same substance Profar was previously suspended for.

José Alvarado

A pitcher who was suspended last season and missed postseason eligibility, which is also a potential consequence for Profar if his suspension stands.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Profar's grievance to proceed.

The takeaway

This suspension highlights the ongoing battle against PED use in MLB, and the league's struggle to deter repeat offenders despite harsher penalties. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the current disciplinary policies and whether more stringent measures are needed to protect the integrity of the game.