Jurickson Profar is in trouble again. The Atlanta Braves designated hitter has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his Major League Baseball career. Because this is his second offense, he is now facing a 162-game suspension. That means he could miss the entire 2026 season. According to ESPN, Profar will also lose his full $15 million salary for the season. He will not be allowed to play in the postseason either, even if Atlanta qualifies. The news comes just as he was set to join the Netherlands for the World Baseball Classic. So instead of representing his country, he is now dealing with another major setback.
This is not the first time. Profar was handed an 80-game suspension early in the 2025 season. After that first ban, he said in a full statement, “It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.” The Atlanta Braves had then said they were “surprised and extremely disappointed,” but added that they “fully support the program and are hopeful Jurickson will learn from this experience.
” Now, he has not spoken publicly about this latest suspension.
Jurickson Profar suspension leaves Atlanta Braves without key bat as repeat offender rule brings 162-game penalty
Jurickson Profar, 33, signed a $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in January 2025 after making the All-Star team with the San Diego Padres in 2024. At the time, Atlanta believed they were adding a steady bat to the top of their lineup. He had hit .245 with a .353 on-base percentage and .434 slugging percentage, along with 14 home runs last season.
But the repeat offender rule, strengthened by Major League Baseball in 2014, brings a full 162-game ban. Profar becomes the sixth player to receive that level of punishment under the updated policy.
His absence hurts even more because Atlanta is already dealing with injuries. Starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are both sidelined with elbow issues. Profar had also just returned from sports hernia surgery and was expected to focus mainly on designated hitter duties this season.
Manager Walt Weiss must now adjust his plans once again. When Profar becomes eligible to return in 2027, he will have one year left on his contract and is set to earn another $15 million.
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