Jurickson Profar Suspension Explained: Why Braves OF Received 162-Game Ban for Second Career PED Violation

March 3, 2026 – Atlanta Braves outfielder/designated hitter Jurickson Profar finds himself facing a devastating setback as he receives a 162-game suspension for a second violation of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) performance-enhancing drug (PED) policies. The news, which broke on Tuesday via ESPN’s Jeff Passan, comes just a month before the start of the 2026 MLB season and represents a significant blow to both Profar and his team.

For Profar, this marks his second suspension in a year. The Braves slugger had previously served a suspension in 2025, and now, just a year later, he is facing the maximum penalty after testing positive for another banned substance. This suspension is not only a major setback in Profar’s career but also raises concerns about his future with the Braves and his eligibility for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

What Led to Profar’s Suspension?

According to Passan’s report, Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, which triggered his second suspension under MLB’s PED policies. While the exact substance that led to this penalty has not yet been disclosed, the implications for Profar are significant. As a second-time offender, he is now facing a 162-game suspension, the maximum penalty for such violations. This means that Profar will forfeit his entire $15 million salary for the 2026 season and will be ineligible for postseason play.

Profar, 33, was gearing up for a big 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves, having signed a three-year, $42 million deal in January 2025. Profar had been expected to take on a key role as the team’s designated hitter and contribute significantly to the Braves’ lineup. This suspension not only disrupts those plans but also impacts his international career, as he was set to represent Team Netherlands in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. If the suspension stands, Profar will be ineligible to participate in the tournament.

Profar’s First Suspension and Its Aftermath

This suspension comes less than a year after Profar served his first MLB suspension. In March 2025, he was handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone typically associated with pregnancy but also used to stimulate testosterone production. Profar, at the time, issued a public statement denying any intent to cheat the game, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to fairness and transparency.

In his statement following the first suspension, Profar said, “It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”

Despite these words, the recurrence of a positive test within such a short period of time raises serious questions about Profar’s future in MLB and his ability to stay clean.

MLB’s PED Policy and Its Consequences

MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement, which was last updated in 2022, is designed to ensure fair play and protect the integrity of the game. Under this policy, players are prohibited from using or possessing any banned substances, including steroids and human growth hormone (HGH). Players are subject to regular testing throughout the season, with penalties imposed for any violations.

For PED violations, the penalties are as follows:

• A first offense results in an 80-game suspension.

• A second offense results in a 162-game suspension — the equivalent of an entire MLB season.

• A third offense leads to a lifetime ban from the game.

Profar’s second violation places him among a group of elite players who have received 162-game suspensions since MLB increased its penalties for second-time offenders in 2014. Other notable players who have faced this penalty include Jenrry Mejia (2015), Marlon Byrd (2016), Francis Martes (2020), Robinson Cano (2020), and J.C. Mejia (2023).

What’s Next for Profar?

As it stands, the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) is expected to challenge the 162-game suspension on Profar’s behalf. This is a common move when a player believes that their suspension is unjust or that they should be given a reduced penalty.

Profar’s suspension will likely become official unless the MLBPA succeeds in its challenge, which could reduce the penalty. However, if the suspension stands, Profar’s future with the Atlanta Braves becomes highly uncertain. With his eligibility for the 2026 MLB season now in question, the Braves will need to make significant adjustments to their roster.

Impact on the Braves’ 2026 Lineup

The timing of this suspension is especially damaging for the Braves. After a strong showing in 2024, when Profar earned an All-Star nod with the San Diego Padres, the Braves were hoping for a repeat performance in 2026. Profar had been expected to serve as a key contributor to their lineup.

Last season, after returning from his first suspension, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. Although those numbers may not have been career-defining, he still represented a valuable piece for a team hoping to make a World Series run.

Without Profar, the Braves will need to explore alternative options for the designated hitter spot. Given their current roster depth, it’s possible they will look to other players to step up, including Marcell Ozuna or even a combination of younger players.

Profar’s Redemption and the Future

While Profar’s career is at a crossroads, his story is far from over. If he can eventually return to MLB, he will have a chance at redemption. But for now, his future in the league will depend on the outcome of his suspension appeal and whether or not he can prove that he’s capable of returning to the game without relying on performance-enhancing drugs.

For the Braves, this situation underscores the volatility that can come with high-risk signings and unpredictable talent. Profar’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining integrity in the game — and the steep price players pay when they fail to do so.

Conclusion

Jurickson Profar’s 162-game suspension represents a significant blow to both his career and the Atlanta Braves. With the 2026 MLB season just around the corner, Profar’s absence will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on the team’s lineup and overall performance. While the MLBPA’s appeal may alter the outcome of the suspension, the damage has already been done. For Profar, the path to redemption will be a long one, and his story is one that fans will continue to watch with interest in the years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on Jurickson Profar’s suspension, the Braves’ lineup adjustments, and all the latest developments as the 2026 MLB season approaches.