Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball after failing a performance-enhancing drug test, the Braves announced Monday. By rule, he is now ineligible to participate in the 2025 postseason, a significant consequence given that the Braves have very realistic playoff aspirations and also figure to contend for the National League East title.
Here is the club’s statement in full:
We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We fully support the Program are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.
Profar tested positive for for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance enhancing substance, according to MLB. The drug is a “hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. “It helps thicken a person’s uterine lining to support a growing embryo and tells the body to stop menstruation The hormone stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.”
Profar soon after released his own statement through the Major League Baseball Players Association. It reads in full:
Braves fans,
Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career. I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason. This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.
I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.
I am devastated that I won’t be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return.
Profar, 32, appeared in each of the Braves first four games, going 3 for 15 with a walk and three strikeouts. His long free agency lasted until late January, when he signing a three-year pact worth $42 million with Atlanta following a breakout showing with the San Diego Padres. Indeed, Profar hit .280/.380/.459 (134 OPS+) with 24 home runs and 3.6 estimated Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
How much do you believe? You can run the numbers. You can watch the tape. You can consult with projection systems. You can chat with an oracle. Ultimately, player evaluation is a test of faith. No matter how you reached your conclusion, the whole thing reduces down to this: how much conviction do you hold in it? Are you willing to be wrong? If not, you’re already lost. All of this is relevant to Profar, a fascinating study case. The former No. 1 prospect finally made good on that billing, notching his first star-caliber season at the plate at age 31. The underlying measures all pointed in the right direction: he hit the ball with greater authority; he walked more; he struck out less. If he were five years younger, he’d be in line for a handsome payday. He’s not, though, so his marketplace reception hinges on how teams answer this capsule’s first question.
The Braves added another outfielder to their collection earlier on Monday, acquiring Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations. Fairchild, in possession of a career 88 OPS+, could see time in the outfield alongside Michael Harris II, Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, and Eli White. The Braves also have Ronald Acuña Jr. working his way back from injury and recent free-agent signing Alex Verdugo attempting to shake off the rust of a long winter.
The Braves entered Monday as one of the four winless teams left in MLB. They’ll begin a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers this evening.
