Juremi Profar Carves International Path as Brother Faces MLB Suspension
As Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar grapples with a major suspension in Major League Baseball, his younger brother Juremi Profar is quietly establishing his own legacy on the global stage. While Jurickson's career faces significant hurdles due to performance-enhancing substance violations, Juremi is currently representing Team Netherlands at the prestigious 2026 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talents alongside some of baseball's biggest names.
Jurickson Profar's Troubled Season with Atlanta Braves
Jurickson Profar, who made his MLB debut in 2012, had recently secured a lucrative three-year contract worth $42 million with the Atlanta Braves following two impressive seasons with the San Diego Padres. However, his tenure in Atlanta quickly turned tumultuous. During his first season with the team, he received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. The situation worsened on March 3 when he failed another PED test, resulting in a suspension for the entire 2026 MLB regular season.
This suspension has made Jurickson Profar ineligible to participate in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic where he might otherwise have joined his brother representing the Netherlands.
Juremi Profar's Global Baseball Journey
While Juremi Profar may not enjoy the same level of recognition as his older brother, he has dedicated more than a decade to building his professional baseball career across multiple continents. The infielder first entered professional baseball when he signed with the Texas Rangers organization in 2012, the same year his brother made his MLB debut.
During his seven-year tenure with the Rangers, Juremi Profar progressed through various minor league levels, eventually reaching Triple-A. After becoming a free agent following the 2019 season, he signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, though his stay there proved brief as the organization released him the following year.
Rather than abandoning his baseball aspirations, Juremi Profar demonstrated remarkable perseverance by seeking opportunities internationally. His baseball odyssey has taken him to leagues in:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Italy
- Pakistan
Currently, Juremi Profar plays for the Karachi Monarchs, a team competing in United Baseball—a league that features teams from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
Representing the Netherlands at World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic marks a significant milestone in Juremi Profar's career as he represents Team Netherlands on one of baseball's biggest international stages. Inside the Dutch clubhouse, he shares space with established MLB stars including Ozzie Albies and Xander Bogaerts, providing him with invaluable experience alongside elite talent.
Both Juremi and Jurickson Profar were born in Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. Although Curaçao is geographically located in the Caribbean, it functions as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This political connection grants players born there eligibility to represent the Netherlands in international competitions like the World Baseball Classic.
While Jurickson Profar's suspension prevents him from joining the Netherlands roster this year, his younger brother Juremi has emerged as an important contributor to the team during the 2026 tournament. This development highlights how one brother's career setback has inadvertently spotlighted the other's international achievements, creating a compelling narrative of resilience and determination within the same baseball family.
