Jurickson Profar 80-Game Suspension Rocks Braves and MLB
On March 31, 2025, Major League Baseball stunned fans by suspending Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar for 80 games after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance-enhancing drug (PED). Mike Rodriguez first reported the news, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirmed the PED-related suspension. While Profar can return later in the season, he is ineligible for the playoffs, as per MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
MLB’s Official Statement on Jurickson Profar Suspension
MLB released a statement:
“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announces that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance-enhancing substance, violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension is effective immediately.”
This ruling delivers a serious blow to the Braves’ roster and disrupts their strategic planning for the season.
Atlanta Braves and Profar Respond
Braves Organization Reacts
The Atlanta Braves expressed their disappointment:
“We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. We fully support MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and hope that Jurickson learns from this experience.”
Jurickson Profar Personal Statement
Speaking through the MLBPA, Profar expressed deep regret:
“Braves fans, today is the hardest day of my baseball career. MLB has suspended me for 80 games for testing positive for a banned substance. I want to apologize to the Braves, my teammates, and the fans. I would never knowingly cheat the game I love. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season, and never failed. However, I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision. I look forward to returning and competing at the highest level.”
His words convey both remorse and a commitment to regaining trust.
How Profar’s Suspension Affects the Braves
A Season Now in Jeopardy
Jurickson Profar’s 2024 season had been his best yet, making this suspension even more shocking. He hit 24 home runs for the San Diego Padres, with an 11.4% walk rate and 15.1% strikeout rate. His .280/.380/.459 batting line earned him a 139 wRC+, a significant improvement from his prior .238/.322/.383 career numbers. Advanced metrics showed major jumps:
- Average exit velocity: 86.5 mph → 91.1 mph
- Hard-hit rate: 31.8% → 44.4%
These improvements made him a hot commodity, attracting interest from the Mets, Royals, Blue Jays, and Astros before signing a three-year, $42MM deal with Atlanta in January 2025. Now, doubts cloud his breakout performance.
Braves’ Roster Faces Uncertainty
The Braves likely had no prior knowledge of Profar’s test results before signing him. This offseason, they worked to cut costs, trading Jorge Soler, declining Travis d’Arnaud’s option, and restructuring contracts for Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer. Their competitive balance tax (CBT) now sits at $234MM, just under the $241MM threshold.
Profar’s suspension derails their strategic moves. With Ronald Acuña Jr. still recovering from an ACL tear, the team now faces gaps in the outfield. Jarred Kelenic, who struggled with a .231/.286/.393 line last season, is off to a rough start (.154/.154/.385). The losses of Soler and Ramón Laureano further weaken the lineup.
How the Braves Will Move Forward
To fill the void, Atlanta will rely on:
- Jarred Kelenic
- Bryan De La Cruz
- Eli White
- Stuart Fairchild (recently claimed off waivers)
Additionally, Alex Verdugo is ramping up and should join the roster soon, while Acuña Jr. could return in May. Although Profar will rejoin the team later, he won’t be eligible for the postseason.
The Braves’ Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
Starting the season 0-4 against the Padres, the Braves already face an uphill battle in the NL East. The team’s tight financial strategy aimed to balance spending while staying competitive. However, Jurickson Profar’s suspension severely disrupts those plans, leaving the Braves scrambling for solutions.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Jurickson Profar?
The 80-game suspension casts doubt over Jurickson Profar’s recent success. Can he recover his reputation and prove his performance was legitimate?
For now, the Braves must adapt quickly. With Acuña Jr. on the mend and Verdugo preparing to return, Atlanta still has hope. But this setback will test their depth, resilience, and ability to stay competitive in a challenging NL East.
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