Jurickson Profar is once again at the center of an MLB PED scandal before the season has even started, and this time, his fellow players are publicly voicing their frustration. Now in 2026, the season hasn’t even started, and Profar’s name is back in the spotlight. This time, he’s facing criticism not only from fans and the league but also from former players who are growing frustrated with repeated violations.

After the news broke, Kevin Pillar, Blue Jays Veteran, posted, “Bad look for him and the game. Think about all the guys that were being compared to him, trying to make teams and lose out cause this guy is who outfield production was being compared to.”

Pillar argued that the situation reflects poorly on both Profar and baseball. While many players are fighting for roster spots during spring training, Profar has now been caught violating the policy for the second time.

He previously served an 80-game suspension in 2025 for hCG under MLB’s drug program. Now he faces a 162-game suspension in 2026, which effectively wipes out both his regular season and postseason.

The reaction around baseball has been sharp. Many observers have pointed out that younger players are grinding through spring camps for opportunities, while Profar’s actions have taken him off the field for an entire year.

Former Braves beat writer David O’Brien summed up the frustration bluntly: “Only an idiot gets busted twice for PEDs,” especially while holding a long-term contract. WSB-TV’s Alison Mastrangelo also reported that she had asked Profar during spring training whether he had taken steps to avoid another PED issue. Profar said yes, but the latest violation proved otherwise.

The consequences are also financial. Profar lost half of his $12 million salary during the 2025 suspension, and this second violation will cost him the $15 million salary scheduled for 2026 under his three-year contract.

The Atlanta Braves issued an official statement expressing deep disappointment but reaffirmed their support for MLB’s drug policy.

The suspension carries real consequences for the Braves’ plans this season. Atlanta expected Profar to fill a key designated hitter role, but that plan has now been disrupted. The ban has cost him not only his place with the Braves but also a spot in the World Baseball Classic, where he was expected to represent the Netherlands.

His absence also increases pressure on players like Matt Olson and Austin Riley to provide additional offense. The Braves had already dealt with injuries and other absences among key pitchers before spring training. Now they face another challenge with Profar’s suspension at a time when stability was needed.

Profar’s career now sits in a precarious position because MLB’s penalties become more severe with each violation. A second positive test results in a full-season suspension, while a third would lead to a lifetime ban from affiliated baseball, placing his long-term future in serious jeopardy.

In 2025, Profar insisted he “would never knowingly take a banned substance,” but that statement now stands in contrast to two violations in consecutive seasons. That contradiction will likely follow him if any team considers signing him in the future.

The financial and reputational impact is also immediate. Profar’s three-year, $42 million contract once looked like a major investment from Atlanta. However, missing extended time will result in him forfeiting a significant portion of that salary.

In future negotiations, Profar’s double suspension will likely be one of the first factors front offices consider.

MLBPA is trying its best to protect Jurickson Profar

While MLB has moved forward with a 162-game suspension, the MLBPA is attempting to challenge the decision.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the MLB Players Association plans to contest Jurickson Profar’s suspension after the league reported his second positive PED test.

The union intends to file a formal grievance and appeal MLB’s disciplinary ruling before an independent arbitrator. Although appeals are common in such cases, the chances of overturning a PED suspension have historically been very low, with few similar appeals succeeding.

Profar’s absence leaves the Braves without their planned designated hitter for the entire 2026 season, removing him from both the regular season and the postseason.

He will also forfeit his $15 million salary for 2026 under the three-year, $42 million contract he signed in 2025. Atlanta had already lost him to an 80-game suspension last season, after which he returned to hit .245 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs across 80 games.

Without Profar, the Braves will need to reshuffle their lineup and designated hitter strategy before Opening Day. Players such as Mike Yastrzemski, Drake Baldwin, and Sean Murphy could see additional plate appearances to help fill the void.

Atlanta also enters 2026 after a 76–86 season while already dealing with other injuries, making this late development even more impactful. As a result, fans and analysts recognize that losing a planned offensive contributor like Profar could significantly alter expectations for the Braves’ lineup this season.