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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Jurickson Profar's 2026 season could be over before it begins.
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The Atlanta Braves outfielder reportedly is facing a season-long suspension after failing a performance enhancing drug test for the second time in as many years, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Last year, Profar's first in Atlanta, he did not play from April to June after failing a PED test. Under the joint drug testing policy between MLB and the MLBPA, Profar was banned 80 games.
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A second positive PED test triggers a 162-game suspension, effectively a ban for the entire regular season. Profar would be ineligible for the 2026 postseason as well, should the Braves qualify.
A third positive test would make Profar permanently ineligible to return. At 33, however, his career is already effectively in shambles.
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The Braves signed Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract in January 2025. After playing 80 games last year and hitting .245, he faces a long road back to delivering any return on the Braves' investment.
According to Passan, Profar will be ineligible to compete in the World Baseball Classic. He is on the roster for The Netherlands, whose team includes players from his native Curaçao.
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Profar is a career .245/.333/.398 hitter who did not become an All-Star until 2024 with the San Diego Padres. That year, he slashed .280/.380/.459 with a career-high 24 home runs and 85 RBIs.
The failed PED test in March 2025 raised questions about Profar's sudden breakout at age 31. It came too late for the Braves, who got off to a slow start and missed the postseason altogether.
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Atlanta was counting on a bounceback season from Profar in 2026 to lead them back to the postseason. Instead, they are facing a full season without one of their better veteran outfielders.
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