The Real Problem with MLB’s Drug Policy: It’s Not the Testing, It’s the Incentives
Let’s start with a bold statement: Jurickson Profar’s second suspension for performance-enhancing drugs isn’t just a failure of the player—it’s a failure of the system. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it exposes the deeper flaws in Major League Baseball’s drug policy. Sure, the testing is rigorous, and the penalties seem harsh on paper. But if you take a step back and think about it, the real issue isn’t the testing itself—it’s the contracts.
Profar, a player who’s now been suspended twice in a year, will still pocket $15 million in 2027 thanks to his guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Braves. Personally, I think this is where the system breaks down. The risk-reward calculus for players is wildly out of balance. From my perspective, the current structure essentially tells players: Risk it all, because even if you get caught, you’ll still be set for life.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this mirrors a conversation I had years ago with a veteran player. He explained that for many, performance-enhancing drugs aren’t about risking a career—they’re about securing one. Elevate your stats, sign a massive contract, and even if you get suspended, the money keeps rolling in. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about cheating; it’s about the financial security that comes with it.
This raises a deeper question: Why hasn’t the league addressed this glaring loophole? The answer lies in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLB and the Players Association. Any changes to the penalty system—like voiding contracts after multiple violations—would require the union’s approval. And historically, the union has been reluctant to give ground on this issue.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Proposals to allow teams to void or renegotiate contracts after drug violations have been floated before, but the union has consistently shot them down. In my opinion, this is shortsighted. While protecting players’ rights is important, the current system undermines the integrity of the game. If punishments don’t fit the crime, how can we expect players to think twice?
What this really suggests is that the incentives are misaligned. Players like Profar face minimal long-term consequences for their actions. Sure, they lose some salary during suspensions, but the guaranteed money in their contracts ensures they’re still financially secure. This isn’t just a problem for the Braves or Profar—it’s a systemic issue that affects the entire league.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the reaction from other players. When I reached out to current and former athletes, none of them defended Profar’s actions. Instead, they acknowledged the system’s flaws. One player told me, ‘I don’t condone any of this, but the way the system is set up, it’s not hard to see how it happens.’ That’s a damning indictment.
If you ask me, the solution is clear: The next CBA negotiations, set for the end of 2026, need to address this head-on. Second-time offenders should face more severe consequences, including the possibility of contract voiding. Players awaiting appeals shouldn’t be allowed to compete, and the union needs to stop shielding repeat offenders.
But here’s the kicker: This isn’t just about punishment. It’s about restoring trust in the game. Baseball has made strides since the steroid era of the 1990s and early 2000s, but incidents like Profar’s remind us how far we still have to go. If we want to clean up the sport, we need to fix the incentives—not just the penalties.
In the end, Profar’s case isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a call to action. The league, the union, and the players themselves need to confront the uncomfortable truth: The current system isn’t working. Until it changes, we’ll keep seeing players roll the dice—and win, even when they lose.
Takeaway: The real problem with MLB’s drug policy isn’t the testing—it’s the contracts. Until the league and union address this, the incentives for cheating will remain far too strong. Personally, I think it’s time for a radical rethink. The integrity of the game depends on it.
