Jurickson Profar to Miss Entire 2026 Season After Appeal Resolved for Second Positive Drug Test
ATLANTA (AP) — In a stunning turn of events, Jurickson Profar, the talented outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, will miss the entirety of the 2026 MLB season, including the postseason, following the resolution of his appeal regarding a 162-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball (MLB). This suspension, resulting from a second failed drug test, has left the Braves reeling as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that Profar’s appeal has been resolved, and the suspension will stand. The sources requested anonymity as MLB has yet to make an official announcement on the matter.
The Path to Suspension
Profar’s suspension comes after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites—meaning testosterone not naturally produced by his body. The positive test marks a second violation for Profar, following a first suspension in 2025, when he was penalized for an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone often linked to testosterone production.
In March 2025, Profar issued a public statement following that suspension, expressing regret and taking full responsibility for his actions. He said, “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
Now, just a year later, Profar’s second failed test has resulted in a much more severe penalty, keeping him off the field for the entire 2026 campaign. His suspension will cost him his $15 million salary for the year, as part of his three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves that runs through 2027. He also lost half of his $12 million salary in 2025 due to his initial suspension.
A Major Setback for the Braves
This suspension is a significant blow to the Atlanta Braves, who had high expectations for Profar in the upcoming season. The 30-year-old was slated to be the team’s primary designated hitter, and many predicted he could bat second in the order, directly behind superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.
Profar’s absence will require the Braves to adjust their roster plans as they prepare for 2026. Manager Walt Weiss, who is in his first year at the helm of the Braves, has been forced to reassess the team’s offensive strategy. Weiss, however, remains optimistic, citing the Braves’ resilience in the face of adversity.
In a statement made just after Profar’s suspension was announced, Weiss reminded the media of the team’s ability to overcome setbacks, pointing to the Braves’ 2021 World Series win after losing Acuña to a knee injury that season. “The moral of the story is something good is likely to come from the bad news,” Weiss said on March 4. “Someone’s gonna step up, someone’s gonna get an opportunity. In 2021, the day we lost Ronald, nobody’s picking that option. And nobody’s taking this option. But guess what, and I truly believe that something good will come of this.”
Braves’ Reaction: Disappointment and Support for the Program
The Braves organization also expressed their disappointment over Profar’s positive test. A statement released by the team on March 4 made it clear that the franchise takes the MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program seriously and fully supports it. “We were incredibly disappointed to learn of the failed test,” the statement read. “Our players are consistently educated about the Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation. The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.”
While the team’s reaction is one of disappointment, the focus remains on moving forward and finding a solution to fill Profar’s void. The Braves will now turn to their existing roster and potentially make additional moves as the season approaches.
Profar’s Return from 2025 Suspension: What Could Have Been
Profar’s return to the field after the 2025 suspension had given the Braves some hope. Upon his return, Profar immediately made an impact, hitting a home run on July 2 and finishing the season with solid numbers: a .245 batting average, 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .787 OPS in 80 games.
His performance in 2024 had been his best year yet, as he set career highs with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and an .839 OPS, solidifying his place as a key contributor to the team. With such potential, it’s easy to see why the Braves had high expectations for Profar heading into 2026.
The Uncertainty of Profar’s Future
The news of Profar’s second suspension casts a shadow over his future in baseball. At 30 years old, this suspension will likely have a lasting impact on his career. Profar, who was once an All-Star in 2024, had rebuilt his career after a series of injuries. However, now with a second failed test, his standing in the MLB could be in jeopardy.
While Profar’s talent has never been in question, his discipline and consistency will likely come under scrutiny moving forward. As he spends the 2026 season away from the game, the next steps in his career will be uncertain, but it is clear that this could be a make-or-break moment for the former top prospect.
A Season of Opportunity for Others
As the Braves adapt to Profar’s absence, other players will now be given a chance to shine. Manager Weiss and the front office will need to rely on others to step up and fill the void left by Profar’s suspension. For now, the Braves will look to their depth to fill the designated hitter and offensive lineup holes. The team has plenty of talent, but the absence of Profar certainly complicates their pursuit of a successful 2026 campaign.
