UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) reports a historic drop in the number of players receiving exemptions for ADHD medications, with only 54 players now permitted to use these drugs. This significant decline from 61 last year and 119 in 2013 reflects tightening regulations and heightened scrutiny within the league.
The shocking revelation was made in the latest annual report by Thomas M. Martin, the independent administrator overseeing MLB’s drug program. This year’s report was released just days before the start of the upcoming season, raising questions about the implications for players who rely on medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.
Drug testing continues to be rigorous, with 11,700 tests conducted in the year leading up to the 2025 World Series. This total is slightly below the record 11,783 tests from the previous year. The testing regimen includes 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples specifically designed to detect Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
In a stark reminder of the stakes involved, just two players faced disciplinary action following positive tests. Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves was suspended for 80 games on March 31, 2025, after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin, a hormone linked to testosterone production. Similarly, José Alvarado, closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, received an 80-game ban on May 18, 2025, after a test revealed external testosterone, which he claims was due to a weight loss drug used during the offseason.
This year’s findings also include three additional Therapeutic Use Exemptions: one for hypertension, one for a sleep disorder, and one for hormone function. The implications of these exemptions and the decrease in ADHD medication permissions are prompting discussions among players and officials alike about mental health and performance enhancement in professional sports.
As the MLB season approaches, the focus on player health and drug use policies will remain a hot topic. With the landscape of ADHD treatment in professional sports rapidly evolving, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely for further developments.
Stay tuned for updates as more information emerges on this critical issue affecting the future of player health and MLB regulations.