Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the entirety of the 2026 Major League Baseball season after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, MLB announced Tuesday.
The 162-game suspension, which begins Friday, marks Profar’s second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs in the past year and results in the forfeiture of his $15 million salary, according to the league. He will also be ineligible for postseason play.
MLB stated that Profar tested positive for “exogenous testosterone and its metabolites.” This is the sixth instance of a player receiving a full-season ban for a second PED violation since MLB increased the penalty to a full season in 2014.
The suspension also jeopardizes Profar’s participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he was slated to represent Team Netherlands. The team includes teammates Ozzie Albies and Chadwick Tromp.
The Atlanta Braves organization expressed disappointment with the news. “Our players are consistently educated about the Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation,” the team said in a statement. “The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.”
Profar previously received an 80-game suspension in March 2025 after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Following that suspension, Profar maintained his innocence, stating he would “never knowingly do anything to cheat” the game.
The loss of Profar is a significant setback for the Braves, who are already dealing with injuries to starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Last season, Profar batted .245 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 80 games.
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) intends to challenge the suspension and file a grievance, according to Ken Rosenthal. The case will be heard by MLB’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman.
The suspension could potentially free up salary space for the Braves, who may seek to acquire a starting pitcher. Profar’s $15 million salary and $14 million luxury tax hit will no longer factor into the team’s payroll calculations.
