UPDATE: In a significant shift, only 54 Major League Baseball (MLB) players have received Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD medications in the latest report, marking a record low. This drastic drop from 61 players last year and 119 in 2013 underscores a tightening stance on the use of ADHD treatments in the league. The revelation came from the annual report by Thomas M. Martin, the independent program administrator overseeing the MLB’s drug policy.
The report highlights the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, including Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. In a year that culminated with the 2025 World Series, MLB conducted 11,700 drug tests, slightly below the record of 11,783 tests from the previous year. Of these, 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples were collected to screen for substances such as Human Growth Hormone.
Amid these developments, only two tests returned positive results, leading to disciplinary actions against players on 40-man rosters. Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves received an 80-game suspension on March 31 due to a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin, a hormone linked to testosterone production. Similarly, José Alvarado, closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, was banned for 80 games on May 18. Alvarado’s positive result stemmed from a weight loss drug taken during the offseason, according to Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations.
The report also noted that in addition to the 54 exemptions for ADHD, there were three other exemptions: one each for hypertension, sleep disorders, and hormone function.
As the MLB continues to refine its policies, the focus on player health and drug use remains paramount. Fans and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for further updates as the league navigates these critical changes, impacting not only the players but the integrity of the sport itself.
This urgent report highlights the evolving landscape of drug regulations within Major League Baseball, reflecting broader concerns about player health and the fairness of competition. Stay informed as the situation develops—this is an issue that resonates widely across the sports community.
