Here we go again, folks. Just when you think baseball has cleaned up its act, another star tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs. And this time, the timing is absolutely brutal.
Jurickson Profar, the Atlanta Braves designated hitter, is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs for the second time in his career. Read that again: the second time. This isn't a mistake or a tainted supplement. This is a pattern of behavior that has no place in our game.
The World Baseball Classic starts in days, and Team Netherlands just lost their star DH. Profar was supposed to be a centerpiece for the Dutch squad, and now they're scrambling to find a replacement. That's not just disappointing - it's embarrassing for everyone involved.
Let's talk about the Braves for a second. They signed Profar to be their everyday DH, counting on his bat to help drive a playoff push. Now they're stuck with a roster hole and serious questions about their due diligence. Did nobody think to check this guy's history? He's been suspended before! This is on the front office as much as it's on Profar.
I've been covering baseball for two decades, and I'm tired of this story. We thought we were past the steroid era. We thought players understood the consequences. But here we are in 2026, still dealing with guys who think they can cheat their way to success.
Profar is 33 years old. This suspension likely ends his career. Nobody is signing a 34-year-old DH with two PED violations on his record. He's thrown away millions of dollars, his reputation, and his World Cup dream all because he couldn't play the game clean.
The worst part? It sends a terrible message to young players. If Profar is doing it, how many others are out there thinking they can get away with it? Baseball's testing is better than ever, but the temptation is always there for guys on the bubble or trying to extend their careers.
The Braves need to move on quickly. Spring training is wrapping up, and opening day is around the corner. But this black eye won't fade anytime soon. Every time name comes up, it'll be attached to the word
