Here’s a bombshell that’s rocking the baseball world: Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is facing a staggering 162-game suspension after reportedly failing a second drug test for performance-enhancing substances, according to an exclusive AP source. But here’s where it gets controversial—Profar, who was already suspended for 80 games last year, claims he would never intentionally take a banned substance. So, what’s the truth? And this is the part most people miss—this suspension could cost him his entire $15 million salary for the year, part of a $42 million contract. Let’s dive into the details.
The Allegations and the Fallout
New York (AP) — Jurickson Profar, a 2024 All-Star, is on the brink of a 162-game suspension by Major League Baseball (MLB) after allegedly testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) for the second time. The news, first reported by ESPN, was confirmed by an anonymous source close to the situation, as the process is still ongoing. If confirmed, this would be Profar’s second strike, following his 80-game suspension last March for testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone linked to testosterone production.
The Appeal and the Process
Profar plans to fight back. According to another anonymous source, he intends to ask the players’ association to file a grievance and appeal the decision to baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman. However, because this is his second offense, the appeal can only take place after the suspension is officially announced. This raises a critical question: Is the system fair, or does it leave too little room for redemption?
A Star’s Fall from Grace
Profar’s career has been a rollercoaster. After returning from his first suspension in July 2023, he hit a home run in his first game back and finished the season with a .245 average, 14 homers, and 43 RBIs. In 2024, he batted .280 and set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs, and an .839 OPS. But now, his future hangs in the balance. If suspended, he’ll not only lose his salary but also be ineligible for the postseason, leaving the Braves scrambling to fill the void.
The Braves’ Lineup Shuffle
With Profar potentially out, the Braves’ roster is in flux. Left fielder Mike Yastrzemski, signed to a $23 million deal, was expected to share duties with Profar as the primary designated hitter (DH). Now, players like Drake Baldwin, Eli White, and even minor league signee Dominic Smith could step into larger roles. Adding to the chaos, starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim is sidelined with a finger injury, leaving Mauricio Dubon to fill the gap.
The Bigger Picture
Profar wouldn’t be the first player to face a 162-game suspension for a second PED violation. He’d join a list that includes Jenrry Mejia, Marlon Byrd, and Robinson Canó, among others. Mejia, notably, received a lifetime ban in 2016 after a third positive test—the only player to face such a penalty since MLB’s drug testing program began in 2004. This raises another controversial question: Are the penalties too harsh, or do they send a necessary message?
What’s Next?
As the Braves navigate this crisis, fans are left wondering: Can the team recover? And what does this mean for Profar’s legacy? With four players already suspended this year for PEDs, including Max Kepler, the issue of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball is more relevant than ever. But here’s the real question—is the system failing players, or are players failing the system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
AP Sports Writer Charles Odum contributed to this report.
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