Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar will miss the entire 2026 Major League Baseball season after receiving a 162-game suspension for violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, announced Tuesday, stems from a positive test for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites.

Second Offense Results in Severe Penalty

The lengthy suspension is a consequence of Profar being a repeat offender. He previously received an 80-game suspension in March 2025 after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone known to aid testosterone production. As a second-time offender, Profar will forfeit his $15 million salary for the 2026 season.

Financial Impact and Team Response

Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025. He lost half of his $12 million salary in 2025 due to the initial suspension. The Braves expressed their disappointment in a statement, saying they were incredibly disappointed to learn of the positive test. The team added that they fully support the Program.

Appeal Planned

According to reports, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) plans to challenge the 162-game suspension. Profar stated following his first suspension that he would never willingly grab a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision. The appeal will be expedited, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic.

Impact on World Baseball Classic

The suspension also renders Profar ineligible for participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he was slated to represent the Netherlands. He was a late scratch from the Team Netherlands lineup in Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Orioles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What substance did Jurickson Profar test positive for? Exogenous Testosterone and its metabolites.
• How long is Jurickson Profar’s suspension? 162 games, effectively the entire 2026 MLB season.
• Will Jurickson Profar lose his salary? Yes, he will forfeit his $15 million salary for the 2026 season.
• Is Jurickson Profar appealing the suspension? Yes, the MLBPA plans to challenge the suspension.

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