Jurickson Profar’s future with the Atlanta Braves has taken a drastic turn as he faces a 162-game suspension, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Passan, a seasoned MLB reporter, broke the story on Tuesday after receiving information from trusted sources. It is now confirmed that Profar has tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the second time this year.
The 33-year-old outfielder will forfeit his $15 million salary, and he will be excluded from postseason play, as well as participation in the World Baseball Classic. If the Braves qualify for the postseason this year, he will be unable to contribute while serving his suspension.
This isn’t Profar’s first encounter with discipline. His previous suspension came in March 2025 after transferring to the Braves from the Padres.
He had tested positive for chorionic gonadotropin, leading Major League Baseball to impose an 80-game ban. Although he returned to action in July 2025, he remained ineligible for playoffs due to existing MLB policies.
The Braves stated in 2025, “We fully support the program and are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.”
Profar concluded the 2025 season as both a hitter and outfielder, achieving 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. He kicked off spring training for 2026 with 10 at-bats, resulting in three hits, two runs, three RBIs, two strikeouts, and one sacrifice fly.
With one year and $15 million left on his three-year contract, Profar now faces the repercussions of this latest violation. He will become the sixth player to be hit with a 162-game suspension since the 2014 rule change.
Others who have faced similar suspensions include Jenrry Mejia in 2015, Marlon Byrd in 2016, Francis Martes in 2020, Robinson Cano in 2020, and J.C. Mejia in 2023. Notably, Mejia is the only player to receive a lifetime ban for PED use after three violations.
