Braves Star Faces 162-Game PED Ban

This marks Jurickson Profar's second suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in as many seasons. In March 2025, he received an 80-game ban after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that can increase testosterone production. He lost half of his $12 million salary that year as a result of the suspension. Under the current MLB drug policy, which was strengthened in 2014, a first-time positive test for a banned steroid results in an 80-game suspension. A second offense triggers an automatic 162-game suspension, effectively sidelining a player for an entire season and the postseason. A third violation results in a lifetime ban from the sport. Profar is just the seventh player to receive a 162-game suspension for a second PED offense. Other players who have faced the same penalty include Robinson Canó and Francis Martes. The MLB Players Association has already filed a grievance on Profar's behalf to appeal the suspension to an independent arbitrator, a standard procedure for second infractions. The suspension means Profar will forfeit his entire $15 million salary for the 2026 season. This provides the Braves with unexpected financial flexibility, potentially allowing them to pursue a replacement designated hitter or bolster their pitching staff through free agency or a trade. With Profar out of the lineup, the Braves will need to find a new primary designated hitter. Internal options include Eli White or potentially Drake Baldwin when he is not catching. The team could also look to the trade market, with Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton being floated as a potential target.