The Major League Baseball (MLB) announced this Friday a suspension of 162 games for Jurickson Profar, designated hitter for the Atlanta Bravesafter testing positive for a banned substance within the league’s anti-doping program for the second time.
As reported by MLB, the 33-year-old player once again violated the performance-enhancing drug prevention and treatment policy, which automatically activates a sanction equivalent to a full season for repeat offenders.
Profar had already been suspended 80 games in March 2025, when he tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that stimulates testosterone production. In the new anti-doping control, the Dutchman tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, as confirmed by the league.
Atlanta reacts to suspension
The Braves issued a statement expressing their disappointment in the situation.
“We are incredibly disappointed to learn that Jurickson tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and violated MLB’s drug prevention and treatment program,” the organization said. “Our players are constantly educated about the program and the consequences of violating it. The Atlanta Braves fully support this system.”
Consequences for Profar
The sanction has several immediate consequences for the player:
162-game suspension during the 2026 season.
Loss of his $15 million salary for that year.
Disqualification from playing in the postseason.
Inability to represent the Netherlands in the next World Baseball Classic.
Profar thus becomes the seventh player suspended for 162 games since MLB toughened sanctions for repeat offenders in 2014. According to the regulations, a third positive would imply a lifetime suspension.
The union plans to appeal
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) plans to file a formal complaint to challenge the sanction, according to journalist Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. However, these types of processes rarely manage to reverse suspensions when anti-doping tests have been confirmed.
Hit for the Braves before 2026
The suspension represents another blow to the Atlanta Braves ahead of the start of the 2026 season.
The team is already facing roster issues due to several major injuries. Pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are out with elbow problems, while shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be out four to five months after undergoing hand surgery in January.
Atlanta had signed Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract in January 2025, banking on his offensive experience. Last season, the player recorded 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games.
Now, with his suspension confirmed, the Braves will have to reorganize their lineup and look for offensive alternatives to face a season that begins with important challenges.
