MLB Suspends Profar 162 Games

This marks Jurickson Profar's second violation of MLB's drug policy in as many years. His first, an 80-game suspension in 2025, was for testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone that can stimulate testosterone production. This second positive test was for exogenous testosterone. Under the current MLB drug agreement, a second positive test for a performance-enhancing substance results in an automatic 162-game suspension. A third violation would lead to a lifetime ban from the sport. The MLB Players Association has announced it will file a grievance to appeal the suspension, though it is rare for such appeals to be overturned. Unlike a first offense, the suspension for a second violation is not stayed during the appeal process. The suspension will cost Profar his entire $15 million salary for the 2026 season. This comes after he forfeited nearly $6 million of his $12 million salary in 2025 due to his first suspension. The Braves, while losing a key player, will gain that $15 million in payroll flexibility. Full-season PED suspensions are uncommon in MLB. The last player to receive a 162-game ban was Milwaukee reliever J.C. Mejia in 2023, who has not pitched in affiliated baseball since. Others who received similar suspensions include Robinson Cano, Francis Martes, and Marlon Byrd. The Braves will look to both internal and external options to fill the void left by Profar, who was expected to be their primary designated hitter. Internally, players like Dominic Smith and non-roster invitee Ben Gamel could see increased roles. The team could also explore the free-agent market, with a veteran bat like Andrew McCutchen being a potential fit. The news of Profar's suspension broke shortly after reports that Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas is appealing an 80-game suspension for his first positive PED test. Rojas is allowed to participate in spring training activities while his appeal is ongoing. His positive test reportedly occurred during the offseason.