The Braves will be without one of their key players for the upcoming season.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that switch-hitting Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension for his second performance enhancing drug issue in the last year.
"Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday," Passan wrote in his article on the breaking news.
ESPN's insider added, " He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary and will be ineligible for the postseason. Profar also will be ineligible for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he was set to represent the Netherlands, whose team includes players from his native Curacao."
Profar was an All-Star in 2024 when he had a career year, hitting 24 home runs for the San Diego Padres. He appeared in 80 games for the Braves last season after returning from suspension, and was not as production as he was the previous year, but still posted a 121 OPS+ in 371 plate appearances. Now, it will be 2027 at the earliest that Profar will be in a big league game.
It was less than a year ago when Profar issued an apology for his first PED-related suspension.
"Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career," he said then. "I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner's office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason. This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game."
He notably added, "It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB's decision."
The baseball world is still awaiting the next statement from Profar, which will be very interesting to compare against his words from less than a year ago. For the Braves, it leaves a hole in their lineup that will need to be filled. When available, Profar has been a very consistent bat. But he is now just the sixth player in MLB history to receive a full 162-game ban for repeat PED use.