NEW YORK — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar could be sidelined for an entire season after allegedly failing a second drug test for banned performance-enhancing substances, according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The source requested anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the proceedings, which ESPN initially reported.
According to a second anonymous source, Profar plans to have the players’ union file an appeal through baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, to challenge any potential punishment.
Since this would mark Profar’s second violation, any appeal process would occur following the official announcement of a suspension.
The 2024 All-Star previously served an 80-game suspension starting March 31 after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that boosts testosterone production. At the time, he released a statement saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
Profar’s representative, Dan Lozano, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Following his return to action on July 2 with a home run, Profar posted a .245 batting average with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS across 80 games. His 2024 campaign saw him achieve personal bests with a .280 average, 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.
During spring training, Profar revealed he underwent sports hernia surgery in November, which required six weeks of recovery. This spring, he has participated in four games, recording three hits in 10 at-bats with three RBIs.
The Curaçao native was scheduled to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
A 162-game suspension would make him ineligible for playoff competition and cost him his entire $15 million salary for this season, part of his $42 million contract running through 2027. His previous suspension already cost him half of his $12 million 2025 salary.
If suspended, Profar would join six other players who have received 162-game bans for second PED violations: New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (July 2015), Cleveland outfielder Marlon Byrd (June 2016), free agent catcher Cody Stanley (July 2016), Houston pitcher Francis Martes (February 2020), Mets second baseman Robinson Canó (November 2020) and Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejia (September 2023).
Jenrry Mejia remains the only player to receive a permanent ban after his third positive test in February 2016, marking the sole lifetime suspension since drug testing with penalties began in 2004.
This year has already seen four players suspended for positive tests, including free agent outfielder Max Kepler, who received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Epitrenbolone.
After acquiring left fielder Mike Yastrzemski on a $23 million, two-year contract, the Braves had planned to use Profar primarily as their designated hitter.
Once catcher Sean Murphy recovers from his hip injury, possibly by May, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could rotate between catching and DH duties.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. covering the outfield, Eli White represents another DH possibility. The team is also dealing with the absence of expected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury, leaving Mauricio Dubon to start the season at shortstop despite being planned for a utility role.
Profar’s potential absence could open doors for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league contract on February 17.
