Jurickson Profar Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended 80 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Major League Baseball announced March 31, 2025. The suspension was effective immediately. Under the same program, a first positive test triggers an 80-game ban; a second positive results in a 162-game suspension (full season), and a third in a lifetime ban. Profar’s penalty is consistent with a first offense. Profar tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a banned substance that can boost testosterone production. He forfeited a portion of his salary—reported as roughly $5.8 million of his $12 million 2025 pay—and was declared ineligible for the 2025 postseason regardless of when he returns. Barring postponements, he was eligible to return June 29, 2025, against the Phillies.

MLB’s drug program and why 80 vs 162 matters

MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program sets clear tiers: 80 games for a first violation, 162 games for a second, and a permanent ban for a third. High-profile cases like Robinson Canó (162 games in 2020 after an earlier 80-game suspension) and Marlon Byrd (162 games in 2016 for a second positive) illustrate how a repeat offense wipes out an entire season. For Profar, the 80-game penalty means he misses roughly half of the 2025 campaign and all of the playoffs; any future positive test would trigger the full-season 162-game suspension.

Background: Padres breakout and Braves deal

Profar, 32, had signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in January 2025 after a career year with the San Diego Padres in 2024. He hit .280 with a career-high 24 home runs and was a key part of the Padres’ lineup before entering free agency. The Braves viewed him as an outfield and lineup upgrade; the suspension forced an immediate adjustment. Atlanta acquired Stuart Fairchild the same day (March 31) for outfield depth. Profar’s positive test occurred during the offseason, according to reports, and was announced as the season was getting under way.

Profar’s response and fallout

Profar said he was “devastated” and would “never knowingly” take a banned substance. He noted he had been tested eight times in 2024 without a positive result and accepted responsibility for what enters his body. He did not appeal the suspension. The loss of salary and postseason eligibility makes the penalty financially and competitively significant; for the Braves, his absence left a hole in the outfield and the order for the first half of the year. Profar later returned in early July 2025 and homered in his first game back against the Angels, but the suspension had already shaped Atlanta’s first-half plans and his own narrative heading into the rest of the contract.

What it means for AthX

Profar’s share price reflects his absence for half the season and postseason ineligibility; dynamic pricing will incorporate his return date and performance when he’s back. A first-time PED suspension is a known risk factor for narrative and demand—some traders may discount him until he reestablishes production, while others may see a buy-low window after the suspension. A second positive would mean a 162-game ban and much deeper uncertainty. Use injury and suspension news to build or adjust your portfolio; browse the marketplace to see Braves and all MLB player values on AthX. *Sources: MLB.com press release – Braves outfielder Profar suspended; MLB Trade Rumors – Jurickson Profar 80-game PED suspension; Fox Sports – Braves’ Jurickson Profar suspended 80 games for PED use. Fact-checked March 31, 2025.*