ATLANTA – A significant blow has landed for the Atlanta Braves as outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the entire 2026 Major League Baseball season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The league announced the 162-game suspension on Monday, marking the second time Profar has been penalized for violating MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The positive test revealed the presence of stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. This latest infraction triggers the harsher penalty outlined in MLB’s policy for repeat offenders. Profar, 33, previously received an 80-game suspension in 2022 for a similar violation. The Braves organization released a statement expressing their disappointment, calling the news “incredibly disappointing,” particularly given Profar’s status as a 2024 All-Star.
The suspension leaves a considerable void in the Braves’ outfield plans, especially after the team signed Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year deal this offseason, partially with an eye toward how it would affect Profar’s role. According to reports, Atlanta executive Alex Anthopoulos proactively discussed the potential impact of Yastrzemski’s arrival with Profar, outlining possible market options and acknowledging that playing time in left field might be reduced in favor of designated hitter appearances. Profar reportedly agreed with the assessment.
Now, Yastrzemski’s role becomes even more critical. As one evaluator reportedly texted after the suspension news broke, “They’re lucky they got Yaz.” The timing couldn’t be worse for Atlanta, which is already navigating a challenging spring training marked by injuries to key players.
The Braves are currently without catcher Sean Murphy (hip) and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (finger), both expected to miss the first quarter of the season. Pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have also undergone elbow surgeries that will likely sideline them until midsummer. This latest development with Profar adds another layer of adversity to a team with high expectations.
Profar’s suspension means he will forfeit his salary for the duration of the ban, totaling approximately $15 million. A third violation of MLB’s drug policy would result in a lifetime ban from the sport. The Curaçaoan native has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies, before joining the Braves in 2025.
The incident underscores the ongoing battle against performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball. The league has significantly tightened its testing and penalties since the “steroid era” of the 1990s and early 2000s, aiming to maintain the integrity of the game.
Jurickson Profar, who represented the Netherlands in international competition, had initially been slated to participate in the World Baseball Classic this week but was removed from the Team Netherlands lineup prior to Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Orioles.
The Braves have not yet announced plans to fill Profar’s roster spot. The team will likely explore internal options and potentially consider external acquisitions to bolster their outfield depth. The impact of this suspension extends beyond the immediate loss of a player; it also raises questions about the team’s offensive capabilities and overall competitiveness in a highly competitive National League.
This is a developing story. The Braves are expected to address the situation further in the coming days. Fans can find the latest updates on the team’s official website and through MLB’s official channels.
What’s Next: The Atlanta Braves begin their regular season on March 28th against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The team will hold a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the Profar suspension and their plans moving forward.
