Jurickson Profar Suspended 162 Games After Latest PED Bust
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar has tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the second time, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, triggering a 162-game suspension. Profar was suspended for 80 games early in the 2025 season, his first such issue with PEDs.
The MLBPA will appeal the suspension.
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Profar revived his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024 before signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves prior to the 2025 season. The Curaçao-born hitter posted a .787 OPS with 14 homers for the Braves in just 80 games last season, still showing how much of an impact he could have over a 162-game sample size. He was expected to be a major piece to Atlanta’s offensive success in 2026, likely hitting in the top-five in the batting order and seeing most daily reps at the DH spot. He’s also currently on the Netherlands’ World Baseball Classic roster.
Profar will now spend almost half of his Braves contract suspended, which is a stunning development for a signing that received near universal praise. While it is loaded with star power, the Atlanta lineup is not one with incredible depth. The bottom half of their expected lineup was already light on offense, and losing Profar only extends that issue. A likely replacement in the lineup would be former Met Dominic Smith, who is currently a non-roster invitee in Braves spring training camp.
The Braves have been battered by injuries all of camp, but Profar’s suspension adds another dimension to their woes. Important bats Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim are both dealing with significant injuries, sidelining two of Atlanta’s better gloves on the infield. Notably, Kim signed a $20 million deal with the Braves, a major commitment from the front office for just one season.
Key starters AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach are all expected to miss significant time from their rotation. In the bullpen, Joe Jimenez, an important setup man, might not even pitch during the 2026 season. The Braves were expected to contend this year in the NL East, but their ailments are mounting quickly. They won’t have to pay Profar for this season, so that money could be spent to address some of these holes.
Profar will be eligible to return for the 2027 season, as his suspension also keeps him out of any potential 2026 playoff play.
The post Jurickson Profar Suspended 162 Games After Latest PED Bust appeared first on Metsmerized Online.