A Full Season's Worth of Games Could Be Gone for Jurickson Profar: A Second Drug Test Failure Looms Large.
It appears Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is on the brink of a massive penalty from Major League Baseball, facing a potential 162-game suspension. This significant ban stems from what is believed to be a second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug (PED). Sources close to the situation, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, confirmed the developing story on Tuesday.
But here's where it gets complicated: Profar isn't taking this news lying down. He plans to work with the players' association to file a grievance. This means the case will likely head to baseball's independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, for a formal appeal. However, because this would be Profar's second offense, any appeal process would only begin after the suspension has officially been announced. It's a bit of a 'guilty until proven innocent' scenario in the interim.
And this is the part most people miss: Profar, an All-Star in 2024, has been here before. Last March 31, he received an 80-game suspension for a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). For those new to the terminology, hCG is a hormone that can stimulate the production of testosterone. At the time, Profar issued a statement expressing regret, saying, "I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision." His agent, Dan Lozano, has not yet commented on the current situation.
After serving his previous suspension, Profar made a notable return on July 2, even hitting a home run. He finished that 80-game season with a .245 batting average, 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and an OPS of .787. His 2024 season was even stronger, with a .280 average, career highs in homers (24), RBIs (85), and an OPS of .839. He had also undergone sports hernia surgery in November, with a recovery period of about six weeks, and had participated in a few spring training games this year.
Now, let's talk about the implications: A 162-game suspension means Profar would be ineligible for the postseason. Financially, this is a huge blow. He would forfeit his entire $15 million salary for this year, which was part of a larger $42 million, three-year contract extending through 2027. Remember, he already lost half of his $12 million salary in 2025 due to his first suspension.
This isn't an isolated incident in baseball. Profar would join an unfortunate club of seven players who have received a 162-game ban for a second PED violation. This list includes notable names like Jenrry Mejia, Marlon Byrd, Cody Stanley, Francis Martes, Robinson Canó, and J.C. Mejia. It's worth noting that J.C. Mejia received a lifetime ban in February 2016 after a third positive test, making him the only player to face a permanent ban since the drug testing program with penalties began in 2004.
Is the current system fair? This situation raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of MLB's PED policies. We've already seen four players suspended this year for positive tests under the major league program, including Max Kepler for 80 games due to Epitrenbolone. Does a 162-game suspension for a second offense truly deter players, or does it simply punish them disproportionately?
What does this mean for the Braves' lineup? With Profar's potential absence, the Braves, who recently signed Mike Yastrzemski to a significant deal, were looking to him as their primary designated hitter. The return of catcher Sean Murphy from injury in May, along with other outfielders like Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr., and potential DH options like Eli White, could help fill the void. The team is also dealing with the absence of projected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim. This could open a door for Dominic Smith, who recently signed a minor league deal.
What are your thoughts on Profar's situation and MLB's PED policy? Do you believe a 162-game suspension is a just punishment for a second offense? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
