Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a banned performance-enhancing substance. The suspension, announced on March 31, 2025, is effective immediately, rendering Profar ineligible for the remainder of the 2025 season, including any potential postseason play.
Impact on Profar’s Career and Finances
Profar’s suspension carries significant financial implications. Having signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025, he stands to lose approximately $5.8 million in salary during his 80-game absence.
Braves’ Response and Team Impact
The Braves expressed their disappointment, stating, “We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance… We fully support the Program and are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.”
Manager Brian Snitker addressed the team, acknowledging the setback but emphasizing adherence to MLB’s policies, “We hate it for him, our club and our team. But Major League Baseball has their program and we honor that.”
Profar’s Statement and Future Outlook
Profar expressed deep regret over the situation, “I never knowingly took a banned substance but accept MLB’s decision.” citeturn0news16 He will be eligible to return to the Braves lineup in mid-August 2025, though his absence will undoubtedly affect the team’s outfield depth and performance.
Context and Precedents
This incident adds Profar to a list of MLB players who have faced suspensions for performance-enhancing substances. Notably, his former teammate, Fernando Tatis Jr., served an 80-game suspension in 2022 for a similar violation.
As the Braves navigate the 2025 season without Profar, they will need to adjust their roster and strategies to compensate for his absence. Profar’s return in August will provide a boost, but the team must remain resilient during his suspension period.
