Former Yankees target Profar hit with PED ban, ex-Bronx catcher drags Dodgers’ Kike

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In a stunning development, former New York Yankees free agent target Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball for violating the league’s PED policy. The news not only casts a shadow over Profar’s breakout 2024 campaign but has also triggered collateral controversy with ripple effects felt in MLB. Former Yankees catcher Erik Kratz took the opportunity to throw jabs — not just at Profar, but also at Dodgers’ Kike Hernandez.

MLB confirms suspension for banned substance

On Monday, MLB formally announced that Jurickson Profar, now with the Atlanta Braves, tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance-enhancing drug. The 80-game suspension is effective immediately and, under league rules, renders Profar ineligible for postseason play in 2025 — regardless of when he returns.

“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received an 80-game suspension without pay,” the league stated. “This is a violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.”

The Braves, caught off guard by the news, issued a stern statement expressing disappointment:

“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.”

Profar responds: ‘I would never knowingly cheat’

In a heartfelt message released through the MLB Players Association, Profar claimed ignorance regarding the banned substance but accepted full responsibility.

“Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career,” Profar said. “I would never knowingly do anything to cheat the game. I have been tested throughout my entire career — including eight times just last season — and never tested positive until now. Still, I accept MLB’s decision and will serve my suspension.”

The 31-year-old also apologized to his team, teammates, and fans, adding that he looks forward to returning to competition later this season.

From bargain signing to breakout star — Now under scrutiny

Profar’s performance in 2024 now faces renewed skepticism.

Just a year ago, the former top prospect settled for a one-year, $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres, barely above the MLB minimum salary. But he shocked the baseball world by slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, earning a career-best 139 wRC+ — far exceeding his previous career mark of 92.

Statcast metrics showed a dramatic improvement:

• Exit velocity jumped from 86.5 mph (2023) to 91.1 mph (2024)
• Hard-hit rate rose from 31.8% to 44.4%
• His expected stats, walk rate (11.4%), and strikeout rate (15.1%) all pointed toward a breakout

That late-career surge made Profar one of the most intriguing names on the free-agent market this past offseason. The New York Yankees, along with the Mets, Blue Jays, Astros, and Royals, reportedly showed interest before Profar signed a 3-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025.

Now, with the suspension looming over him, the legitimacy of that breakout campaign is under scrutiny. For Atlanta, it’s a nightmare scenario — an expensive commitment soured before Memorial Day.

The New York Yankees, looking to bolster their outfield depth this past winter, had Profar on their radar in January 2024. According to team insiders, Profar was viewed as a potential utility upgrade with switch-hitting versatility, especially amid uncertainty surrounding Giancarlo Stanton’s health and outfield depth.

While the Yankees ultimately opted to go in other directions, the front office’s decision not to pursue Profar aggressively now looks fortuitous.

Ex-Yankees catcher stirs the pot, Kike Hernandez accused

The fallout took a strange turn when Erik Kratz, a former Yankees catcher, took to social media to comment on the suspension — and dragged Kike Hernandez into the mess.

He demanded stricter action and stripping of all honors.

“They should start hitting you where it hurts,” he said while speaking on Foul Territory. “All that stuff—your awards should be stripped away. Why, all of a sudden, do we just let this slide under the rug? “Jurickson Profar is still going to get his money. Minus 80 games, he still gets his contract. There’s more to it than just affecting the game, the outcome, and the Braves now—because he led them astray, saying, ‘Oh, this was actually me. I just changed my lower half.'”

However, he went on to name Kike Hernandez for the controversy.

“You went and worked on your lower half with Fernando Tatis and his dad,” Kratz added. “Just come out and be honest. Let everybody be honest about what happened, because everybody who has ever tested positive comes out and says what it is. And if you don’t want to say it, to me, that assumes more guilt.”

His accusations have sent waves through the MLB community. Kike Hernandez, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has not been connected to any PED suspicions or investigations. As of this writing, neither Kike nor the Dodgers have responded publicly.

Kratz’s comments, while unsubstantiated, have drawn criticism from analysts and fans alike for fueling speculation without evidence.

Broader impact on MLB’s PED landscape

Profar’s suspension is the latest reminder that the league’s battle against PED use remains ongoing, even in an era with frequent testing and severe penalties.

His ban also reignites debate about the fairness of long-term contracts signed before failed tests are made public. Critics argue that clubs, like the Braves in this case, should have more transparency from the league regarding pending investigations.

For Profar, who had finally turned his career around after years of inconsistency, this could mark a major setback. Once hailed as the No. 1 prospect in baseball, his path has been anything but linear — and now, even more complicated.

What’s next?

Profar will be eligible to return later this summer but cannot participate in the 2025 MLB playoffs, regardless of the Braves’ standing.

Atlanta must now reevaluate its corner outfield depth and $42M investment.

The Yankees, meanwhile, continue to monitor the trade and free-agent market for bullpen and outfield depth as the season rolls on.

While Profar’s career revival seemed like a feel-good story in 2024, his PED suspension has clouded that narrative. For the Yankees, this marks another dodged bullet in what has already been a chaotic start to the 2025 season. And with names like Kratz and Kike now unexpectedly roped into the drama, this storyline may have more twists yet to come.

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